Grimsby event shows how bright future can be for younger generation

Over 100 young people along with their parents and carers flocked into the careers event at the Humber Royal, Grimsby, to discover more about post-16 options including apprenticeships and colleges. With over 30 stalls, including industry experts from sectors like engineering, renewables, teaching and the Royal Air Force offering various opportunities for young people.

However, the event is about more than just the jobs on offer. Those attending found it an invaluable experience in networking and gaining greater insight into what may be in their futures.

Auden, a student from Healing Academy, said: “With more than just one service, we can get a proper insight into what it’s like to go into the job role. They can tailor the advice and information to what I’m looking for, which is sometimes missing when they are talking to the whole school.”

Steve, a parent in attendance, said: “As a parent, it’s really good having things like this for parents, it gives us the opportunity to see where the children can progress to, and it gives us an idea of what they need to be looking at as well. The industry professionals we've spoke to have given us some really good information and something to look out for.”

Helena Gollings was at the event representing Grimsby Institute, promoting the various apprenticeships on offer.

“These events are so important for our community. We know the younger generation get these career days in schools, but the parents don’t often get a chance to come. They’ve got a taste of what’s to come, and can even find opportunities for the whole family,” said Helena.

Organised by North East Lincolnshire Council, with support from The Greater Lincolnshire Careers Hub, the event comes at a time when earning ability and job opportunities across the borough are growing.

Latest figures show that unemployment in North East Lincolnshire is now lower than the regional average for Yorkshire and the Humber, and the potential to earn good salaries is increasingly accessible for residents, with gross annual earnings for full time employees 6.9% higher in 2024 compared to 2023.

With renewable energy and decarbonisation being a major focus along the South Humber Bank, it is predicted that thousands of jobs will be available in the coming decade.

Mark Riley, Project Controls Lead at Phillips 66 and Chair of North East Lincolnshire Council’s Skills Board, spoke about the growing industries here in the borough and what this means for young people. He says: “Within the region, there are immense opportunities for skills growth and investment, which are showcased at events like the Parents’ Careers Evening.

"With the billions worth of investment in industrial decarbonisation as well as new homes built in the Humber region, we're going to need a peak resource of over 12,000 people to deliver the construction. That’s 2,000 new project managers, over 2,500 new engineers, 3000 welders or pipefitters. Other opportunities are in artificial intelligence and the data centres alongside.”

Mark recognises the local challenges, but believes aspirations and the growing investment is key to making a change:

"Creating the right economic environment is crucial, and we're on the cusp of that, with numerous opportunities to bring the Greater Lincolnshire and Humber region out of deprivation and create better lifestyles,” added Mark.

Women in North East Lincolnshire will have another chance to explore local opportunities at the Women into Manufacturing and Engineering (WIME) event next week, Thursday, 27^th March) at the Humber Royal Hotel. The free event is open to the public from 4:30pm to 6pm, for both women thinking of retraining, and young girls to attend with parents/carers. Over 30 local employers are attending including Phillips 66, the Royal Engineers in the British Army and RWE Renewables, many offering current job, apprenticeship, and traineeship opportunities, and will discuss how to start and build a successful career. Book your place at:

wime2025.eventbrite.com.

For more support on opportunities available for young people and help available go to, https://www.lincs2.co.uk/.