Organisers of the UK’s largest skills and careers event have announced that this year’s show will give manufacturing and engineering pride of place among exhibitors.
Launched last year to bring greater prominence to the WorldSkills competition network and to raise the aspirational value attached to vocational careers, the Skills Show said it expects 75,000 young people to attend the event in November.
BAE Systems has agreed to sponsor the show as a headline exhibitor and other manufacturers are lining up to take places in and around a dedicated manufacturing skills pavilion said organisers.
The Skills Show provides young people with the chance to discover more about a variety of industries, ranging from manufacturing to construction, make up and forensic science.
One of the event’s most popular activities is a series of “Have a Go” opportunities, during which visitors can try a new activity such as building a model aircraft to take home.
At The Skills Show in 2012, manufacturing proved particularly popular, with thousands of young people interacting with businesses like BAE Systems and JCB.
They were also able to find out how to tailor their aducation to optimise their opportunities within engineering and manufacturing-led career paths. Apprenticeships are strongly promoted at The Skills Show and last year the local Black Country UTC welcomed hordes of children to its stand, where they were able to learn about this exciting new schooling option.
Speaking about BAE’s decision to join The Skills Show once again this year Nicky Donovan, communications manager at the defence manufacturer said it presented a good opportunity to promote the breadth of manufacutirng and engineering careers and to promoted a bigger sense of perspective about the industry as a whole.
“Our presence at The Skills Show aimed to encourage and educate young people to the wealth of possibilities available to them,” she summed up.
Ross Maloney, CEO of The Skills Show, was keen to welcome BAE back into the fold: “BAE Systems is one of the biggest names in the manufacturing and engineering industry and we have been thrilled at their sustained and dedicated support.”
Manufacturing industry professionals and their families can register for free entry to the event by visiting www.theskillsshow.com.
Those interested in the commercial opportunities at the event should email [email protected]
