Informative, interactive, and thought-provoking activities were among the attractions at Tees Valley Skills, the largest event of its kind in the area, which is hosted by Tees Valley Unlimited
More than 1,800 young people, aged 14-19, attended the skills show, which was held in conjunction with NYBEP, Teesside University and Tees Valley Learning Provider Network.
More than 70 exhibitors and learning providers demonstrated to would-be employees the skills and qualifications needed to start a career in key Tees Valley sectors.
A range of hands-on activities were on display to stimulate attendees’ interest and increase their knowledge about a wide spectrum of careers
These included:
- Interactive software which allowed students to try and create a ‘photo-fit’ of a celebrity giving them an insight into the type of software used by the police and the process that a witness would go through to try and identify the suspect
- The opportunity to work both in front of and behind the TV cameras to produce a short drama scene
- An aircraft simulator where students could ‘pilot’ a British Aerospace Hawk in an airport landing
- A mini obstacle course with chin controlled wheelchair which demonstrated alternative means of operating assistive technology for people with disabilities
Linda Edworthy, Director of Strategy and Investment at Tees Valley Unlimited, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Tees Valley, said:
“It is important that young people leave education aware of the skills and qualifications required by Tees Valley companies if the area is to achieve future prosperity and reach its full economic potential.
“Tees Valley Skills – the largest event of its kind in the area – provided the opportunity to learn about the softer skills that are required in the workplace such as communications, time management and team working.
“We want to keep talented and able young people in the area and Tees Valley Skills has showcased the breadth and depth of careers available locally and demonstrated that those leaving education do not need to move away to find a fulfilling career.”
SABIC, Hart Biologicals, VisualSoft, the Army, South Tees Hospitals and NHS Foundation Trust, Coast & Country Housing, EE, Sirius Minerals/York Potash, Cleveland Fire Brigade, Durham Tees Valley Airport and the RAF were among the employers that attended the event, which was held at the Olympia Building at Teesside University in Middlesbrough.
Learning providers included NETA, Shape Training, Carillion Training Service, Group Horizons Ltd and Darlington, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton RiversideColleges and Cleveland College of Art and Design.
National Universities in attendance included Durham University, Coventry Campus Scarborough and Leeds Trinity.
Jo Thompson, of Tees Valley Learning Provider Network, added:
“Tees Valley Skills provided a great opportunity for young people to speak to experts, to be inspired about potential career pathways and to better understand the skills, attitude and aptitudes necessary to secure employment.
“The event highlighted the very best Tees Valley has to offer regarding apprenticeships, training, further education and careers.”
Please Credit Picture:Keith Taylor