Hundreds sign up for careers fairs

Building Our Skills says student registrations for the first of its series of bespoke industry careers fairs in March has now exceeded 500.

Mark Handley, Building Our Skills’ partnerships manager, said: “Clearly, this new initiative is striking a chord with educators, parents, the industry and students themselves who are seeing the value in it.

“Our aim is to show the industry to over 1,000 school children and their teachers over the course of two pilot events in March. If the two pilots are successful, these will become annual events enabling us to keep in touch with those who attend as they get closer to thinking about their careers. It is also our intention to expand the number of events into other areas of the country where we are already working with other local education authorities.”

The events will also feature ‘employability skills clinics’.

“The employability skills clinics should play a major part in attracting schools and students to the fairs,” continued Mark. “Discussions with local authorities have highlighted just how helpful these clinics will be in helping students to think about the fenestration, glass and glazing industry.”

The employability skills clinics will cover CV writing skills, top tips for interviews, personal skills assessment, training, qualifications, apprenticeships and other career pathways.

As part of the new career’s fairs initiative, Building Our Skills has launched ‘Career Families’ to help students understand the many career options open to them.

The 11 ‘families’ together encompass over 100 individual roles, demonstrating career progression opportunities, training, qualifications and how students can begin their career journeys in the industry.

For teachers, parents and students who want more information about the ‘families’ and the roles they include, simply email sayhello@buildingourskills.co.uk and ask for details.

The Career Families will be showcased at the pilot events to be held in March 2024 as a part of National Careers Week. The first will be in South Yorkshire at the Oakwell Stadium, home of Barnsley FC, and the second in Manchester at the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City Football Club. Building Our Skills is working in conjunction with the education bodies in South Yorkshire and Greater Manchester to bring these events to fruition.

For those in the industry who would like to participate, or would like more information initially please click on this link: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/916107420/