If the impression left on just two of the students taking part in a new event aimed at showcasing an array of businesses is anything to go by, organisers have hit on a successful model.
Around 150 teenagers from Energy Coast University Technical College and beyond attended the fair which gave them the chance to meet employers who may well be looking to recruit in the near future.
The collaboration between Cumbria Chamber of Commerce and Energy Coast University Technical College came about following a realisation that students were overlooking potential career opportunities within SMEs.
“While we do work with a wide range of SMEs at Energy Coast UTC, we thought it was crucial to showcase those opportunities not only to our own students but to students from other local secondary schools and their parents too,” Kerryann Wilson, head of school at UTC, said.
Among those taking part was Clyne Albertelli, of Whitehaven-based Co-Lab Engineering, who spoke to students about how he created his problem-solving company from scratch.
“There are the traditional routes after school but often I say don’t rule out starting your own business,” Clyne said.
And in a market where talent can be hard to find had words of encouragement for those who have yet to make their mark academically.
He added: “Companies are a lot more receptive to people aren’t strong academically. The three values for our business are excellence, collaboration and empowerment – not one of those has technical ability.”
His thoughts were echoed by Lindsay Gray, managing director of Natterjack Marketing, who encouraged young people to consider communications and marketing as a job area for the future.
Tom Duggan, managing director of Woodwards SHE Ltd based a stones-throw from the event, praised organisers for showcasing the kind of businesses outside the area’s main employers who he believes can be overlooked.
“There are other opportunities outside of engineering and the nuclear industry and youngsters could find themselves in jobs that suit them better in small and medium sized organisations,” Tom said.
Groups of around 20 students each heard from a panel made up of three business leaders drawn from sectors as diverse as security and health and safety to electrical engineering, marketing and accountancy.
Alongside discussions ranging from how best to start up in business to whether college courses could be taken alongside full-time work, practical demonstrations were held during the day-long event.
Parents too were invited to attend to ask more questions about work and training opportunities.
“We’re delighted with how the day has gone,” Kevin Warman, local skills improvement plan engagement manager for Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said. ”We may well change the format but only to make it even more accessible and positive for the students to get involved.”
Organisations taking part included:
- Natterjack Marketing
- Co-Lab Engineering
- AB Accountancy
- Mcmenon Engineering
- Woodward health and safety
- AJ Security
- RB Electrical Services
- Cumbria Chamber of Commerce
- LANSS
- Misson CX
- Core Solutions
- Rebecca Wilson
