Annual Skills Fair shines a spotlight on student’s future careers

Organised by North East Lincolnshire Council, the event is designed to connect year 10 students with future opportunities and showcase the next steps available after leaving school.

Now in its 12th year, the event continues to grow, with almost 60 exhibitors from across the region taking part including universities, local employers, training providers, and national organisations.  

The event is supported by Franklin College, Grimsby Institute, Lindum Group, The Careers & Enterprise Company and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, whose continued support helps make the skills fair possible.

Katie Wheeldon, Chief Commercial Officer for TEC Partnership, spoke following the event: "We’re delighted to have been part of Grimsby’s Skills Show to showcase the fantastic opportunities available at Grimsby Institute.

“This event is invaluable in helping young people explore the wide range of technical, vocational and academic pathways available to them while connecting directly with industry and education providers. We look forward to inspiring the next generation to discover their potential."

Wendy Ellis, Principal and CEO Franklin Sixth Form College, added: “We’re extremely proud to be part of the Skills Show and to showcase the incredible range of opportunities available at Franklin.

“Events like this bring education providers and employers together in such a positive way, giving students in the region the chance to explore exciting careers and understand the many different pathways that can lead to rewarding jobs and bright futures.”

A highlight of the event was the STEM Village, sponsored by Phillips 66, where students took part in hands-on activities, interactive games and live demonstrations designed to showcase careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics - an industry shaping the Humber region’s future.

Nina Stobart, Communications Lead at Phillips 66, spoke about the importance of events for both schools and employers: "It's fantastic to be here yet again at the Skills Fair. We've been involved for a number of years and the opportunity to speak to so many students across the day is just invaluable.

“We've had first interactions with students here that we've then employed on an apprenticeship, who told us the event inspired them to take that next step. One of the most important things we can do here today is make a positive impact on a young person's life, and all the students and businesses are doing exactly that. It is fantastic to be involved."

Construction company Lindum Group also supported the event, highlighting the wide variety of careers available within the construction industry and demonstrating how local regeneration projects, including the Sea Road development in Cleethorpes, are creating opportunities for the workforce of the future.

Hayley Cowell, Social Value Lead at Lindum Group Ltd, said: "It's really great to be at the event today to showcase the construction industry to all the students in the local area. People have a perception about construction and assume it's not the industry for them, so we really want to showcase that the construction industry is open and accessible to everyone. Whatever skill set you have, there is an opportunity for you.

“As a local regional contractor, we're really excited to speak to the students today to get them excited about the industry, future developments and get that upcoming talent into the sector."

Councillor Samuel Grice, Deputy Leader of North East Lincolnshire Council and Portfolio Holder for Children and Education, praised the event’s success: "Every young person deserves the opportunity to explore where their talents could take them, and the Skills Fair does exactly that. It opens doors, sparks ambition and helps students see the incredible range of careers available here in North East Lincolnshire. We're grateful to every employer, education provider and partner who helped make the event such an inspiring experience."

Young people aged 16 to 18 can continue to access careers, education and training advice throughout the year by contacting the Young People's Support Service (YPSS) at YPSS.MIS@nelincs.gov.uk