EVENTS
TEESSKILLS CAREERS FAIR
From classroom to careers – students at the Tees Skills Careers Fair with packs sponsored by North East STEM Foundation.
TOP OF THE CLASS!
Reaction from businesses, educators and students who attended the inaugural Tees Skills Careers Fair
Reaction from businesses: Teesside University recruitment officer Kate Nelson said:“ The Tees Skills Careers Fair was a fantastic opportunity to connect with post-16 students considering university and pre-16 students exploring their future options. The event was buzzing with activity all day, and we’ re excited to be attending again next year.”
Jordan Thornhill, website content manager for Teesside-based digital marketing specialist Outrank, spoke about the event while helping to host a stand in the exhibition space.
He said:“ Seeing 600 students engaging with our stands and those nearby was inspiring, and we’ ve also started building stronger relationships with local education providers and businesses. We found that the students were engaged throughout. We’ ll look forward to the next Tees Skills event.”
From accountancy firm Azets, Teesside office managing partner Andrew Rowe said:“ I was really impressed with the organisation and the quality of the speakers. It was great to see so many students taking part and to talk to them about the exciting world of accounting and audit!”
The enthusiasm was echoed by law firm Muckle. Andrea Gibson, director of marketing and business development, said:“ We were really impressed with the calibre of students and how engaged they were with not only our stand but the event in general.
“ It is vital for young people to have as many opportunities as possible to explore the range of careers available to them, and we were so proud to have played a part in hopefully inspiring the next generation of lawyers in Teesside.”
Industrial Technology Systems CEO Andrew Mills said:“ Supporting and encouraging the next generation of talent is an essential activity for ITS.
“ Supporting events like this allows our leaders and early-stage employees to showcase why a career in automation, robotics and software is a sound choice to make and to start the journey as soon as possible.”
Reaction from educators: Gina Briggs, associate assistant principal at Brotton’ s Freebrough Academy, part of Northern Education Trust, said:“ Taking 20 students to the careers fair was an incredibly valuable experience. The quality and relevance of the talks really stood out. The event has undoubtedly broadened our students’ aspirations and given them a clearer sense of the pathways available to them.”
Dr Sara McGravey, assistant headteacher at St Patrick’ s Catholic College in Thornaby – part of Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust – said:“ What a great experience! Informative and inspiring talks to motivate and tell pupils about opportunities in the Tees Valley area, along with a large array of providers giving our Year 10 pupils lots of guidance and information about potential pathways.”
Reaction from students: Louie, a Year 11 student from English Martyrs Catholic School in Hartlepool, said:“ Before the event, I thought success meant leaving Tees Valley. Now I know the opportunities on my doorstep are bigger than I imagined.”
Codiee, a student from Outwood Bishopsgarth Academy in Stockton, said:“ I had a very positive day. I now know what I want to do when I go to college.”
Passing with flying colours
The success of the first Tees Skills Careers Fair marks a major milestone in the region’ s long-term strategy to strengthen local career pipelines, connect young people with aspirational pathways and help employers shape the workforce of tomorrow.
With businesses, educators and students all praising the event’ s impact, plans for a bigger and even more ambitious careers fair next year are already underway.
Tees Business has made it clear that this is just the beginning of a wider movement to ensure every young person in the Tees Valley has access to opportunities that match their potential – and many employers across the region appear firmly behind that mission.
The voice of business in the Tees region | 27