More than 2,500 students from schools across the Doncaster attended Doncaster Skills Fest 2019 to gather valuable careers advice from a range of local education providers and employers.
Held at The Dome, the event, run by Doncaster Chamber’s Doncaster Skills Academy, is the largest in the region for young people to think about their future careers and the education and employment opportunities available to them in Doncaster and beyond.
Over 85 exhibitors, including Polypipe, St. Leger Homes, Cast, Eaton, the Services, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, NHS, Sheffield Hallam University and Leeds Beckett University showcased their organisations, products and services to help inspire their future workforces and encourage them to gain the skills they might need for their future careers.
They provided interactive activities for the young people to “have a go” at the kind of work they could be doing – from plumbing and painting to virtual reality and 3D printing.
Said Tina Slater, Head of Business & Education at Doncaster Chamber: “Now in its fourth year, Skills Fest 2019 gave young people and job seekers an insight into the career opportunities available to them locally, regionally and nationally and the pathways they can follow to achieve their dream job.
“Through each business’s ‘Have A Go’ activity they were able to step into the shoes of an employee and take part in the type of day-to-day work they might being be doing in that business.”
“The careers event was a fantastic opportunity for those who were unsure about what they want to do in future, as well as those who already knew, to chat with future employers, colleges and universities, to experience the kind of work they might be doing, and know the steps they need to take.”
Denise Hoburn, HR Business Partner at Fellows said: “Fellows is a global brand based at the iPort in Doncaster and we felt it was important to support the area and the school children to show them what is available in our industry sector and to not just think about going onto further education.”
Joanne Rivers, a teacher at Hungerhill School said: “We’ve brought Year 10 and 11 children to Skills Fest to help the students whom are struggling to find their next transition. Hungerhill is an 11-16 year old school so all of our students will be leaving us to go into further education or apprenticeships.
“Even though we have great careers advice in school, some youngsters need an extra push. Skills Fest and Doncaster Skills Academy help them to see the opportunities that are available to them that may not be in a classroom. It widens their understanding and perspective of what they can do.”
Skills Fest is organised by Doncaster Skills Academy, in partnership with DCLT (Doncaster Culture & Leisure Trust), The Edge Foundation, and Doncaster Council. It is just one of the ways in which Doncaster Skills Academy, run by Doncaster Chamber, looks to support students in becoming work ready.
A Doncaster Skills Academy Awareness Event is taking place on Wednesday 27 February 2019 at The Dome. Businesses are invited to find out more about the activities of Doncaster Skills Academy; how it can benefit their business and how they can get involved with inspiring young people to follow their dream careers. It is also an opportunity to discuss any skills gaps that affect their business and what type of values they are looking for in their future workforce.
