JobFest at STEAM - a runaway success

Author
Andrew Wells
Initiative Manager | Business West
14th March 2018
Member roleChamber member

Last Tuesday, as part of National Apprenticeship week, Business West and West Berkshire Education Business Partnership helped bring together over 60 Swindon & Wiltshire employers and 850 young people to talk about the great job and apprenticeship opportunities in the local area.

Students from the 16 schools and colleges across Swindon & Wiltshire, were joined by job seekers, returners and young people with their parents/over 90% of whom live within 10 miles of Swindon town centre. 

We got some really positive feedback from members and partners: “Really good event – lots of interest, would like to attend again” said 3aaa and Zurich commented, “Very well organised and a good day to be part of.” Whereas Cleeve Technology said they would come again to future JobFest events and Green Labryinth said, “The support to get school pupils involved has obviously worked well.” 

It wasn’t only businesses impressed at the organization of the event, JobFest made quite an impact on the young people and jobseekers in attendance too:

“The students really enjoyed today’s event and all felt they came away with something useful from a relevant employer. Thank you,” said Jessica Cook, Swindon Academy and Jane Dent, Pupil Guidance & Work Experience Co-ordinator, Stratton Education Centre (PRU) remarked, “What can I say? Jobfest 2018 was fantastic, well worth it for our young people.”

“Talking to my teenage daughter can be getting blood out of a stone. However after her visit to JobFest with Dorcan Academy she is bouncing off the walls with ideas for the future.” remarked Clare Jones on Facebook.

It’s vitally important that we, the business community, in Swindon & Wiltshire, continue to help raise aspirations and awareness of career pathways amongst young people.

Furthermore, that the young people who feel the work, education or training route isn’t for them are given sound advice regarding self-employment.

And it is great that this work is being recognised by the Council. 

Cllr Oliver Donachie, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: “JobFest is a great event and it was inspiring to see so many young people speaking to local businesses and forming their ideas for where they want to take their careers.

“Apprenticeships are a really good option for people who don’t want to continue to further education or would prefer to earn while continuing their education in a job.

“JobFest isn’t the only opportunity to access apprenticeships and anyone considering their future career should look at taking up an apprenticeship in Swindon”

Apprenticeships are a great way to earn and learn at the same time, and now is a great time to find out about the excellent opportunities that there are in the Swindon area. Visit www.jobfestswindon.co.uk to find the opportunities available from the companies that attended JobFest.

Swindon JobFest, funded by Swindon Borough Council, and sponsored by Knorr Bremse, GLL and SWLEP. 

Do you want to join the conversation?

Sign up here
  • Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative

    Sitting at the very heart of the local business community providing representation, information and networking to its members.

  • Drive your business forward with a skilled workforce

    Our specialist skills advice and support will connect you with local and national training providers to ensure you and your staff receive access to quality and relevant training.