The Skills Show, from WorldSkills UK, is inviting businesses to give young people a chance to test their manufacturing skills.
The largest skills and career event will return for a second year when it comes to the NEC in Birmingham from November 14-16.
The non-profit initiative attracted over 70,000 visitors in its maiden event in 2012. The total included 847 school and college groups who were able to interact in a wide range of skills challenges.
Ahead of The Skills Show 2013, WorldSkills UK are looking for companies to roll out similar Have a Go experiences to inspire and attract young children to manufacturing.
The aptly named Have a Go activities proved popular at the 2012 show with 80% of young people surveyed saying they were the most helpful in improving their understanding of vocational education.
The Skills Show’s 2012 Skills Patron, Theo Paphitis, said Have a Go sessions are an important tool in opening up young minds to the range of careers that are available to them:
“Having a go for yourself is the best way of getting a taste for a new skill. There’s no substitute for hands-on experience to help open the minds of thousands of young people to the jobs and careers that are out there waiting for them.”
Have a Go activities have already been rolled out by businesses in the certain sectors: the built environment, cultural and creative arts, IT and business administration, engineering, and social and professional services.
The type of activities are also varied with a number of skill sets involved, including: chocolate welding, aircraft marshalling, hairdressing, engineering and forensic science.
Andy Knight, commercial development manager at The Skills Show, said:
“The Skills Show provides fantastic opportunities for businesses looking to demonstrate their commitment to skills and inspire the next generation. We’re keen to hear from a wide range of professions who can give young people a fun, engaging experience of different skills so they can make informed decisions about their future career.”
More information on running Have a Go activities can be found at theskillsshow.com.
