Pupils 'more confident than ever' after engaging 'Build Your Future' careers event

Pupils 'more confident than ever' after engaging 'Build Your Future' careers event

Hundreds of young people were treated to an exciting careers event this month, full of interactive workshops and interesting opportunities.

Taking place at the Brick Community Stadium on Tuesday 14 October, the Build Your Future careers event was organised by Wigan Council, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Careers Hub, and Three Towers Alternative Provision Academy, to help young people explore future careers and develop a clearer line of sight to great jobs in the city region.

From construction to consultancy, health care to horticulture, as well as sports, art, beauty and more, the event showcased a diverse range of industries and employers, designed to keep young people curious and engaged, encouraging them to take control of their own journeys and learn about the many technical education and training routes available after school, such as T Levels, apprenticeships, and other vocational courses.

Young people and parents can also explore these routes online through Beeline (external link) — a tool developed by the GMCA that connects skills, careers and real-time job opportunities across the city region.

With around 500 pupils in attendance from schools across the borough, there were also several colleges, training providers, sports clubs, and voluntary organisations on hand to highlight the many pathways that young people can take after school.

Speaking about the event, Councillor Laura Flynn, lead member for youth opportunities and equalities said: “The ‘Build Your Future’ careers event was an amazing experience for our borough’s young people, allowing them to speak to colleges and employers and see the various avenues where they can take their careers.

“The range of employers highlighted that there is something for everyone in the world of work, and I’m confident that the event succeeded in making pupils think positively about their next steps and how they can use their interests and strengths in their careers.”

The event supports Greater Manchester’s ambition to ensure all young people gain the skills and real-world experiences they need to succeed, as part of the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc) (external link) — an ambitious plan to create a clear line of sight into high-quality jobs, using local labour market insight to guide young people towards the sectors driving growth across our city region, from digital and technology to construction and the green economy.

With dozens of businesses taking up stall space across two floors of Wigan Athletic and Warriors’ stadium, Equans’ George Jennings explained how these events are vital in reaching young people and seeing how their career paths can align with the company’s work in energy solutions, facilities management, and regeneration.

Elsewhere, Emma Cleal was on hand to show young people the career opportunities and wellbeing benefits with the Royal Horticultural Society, while Riki Bennett showcased the Cotton Works based ‘Padel Parx’, which provides courts for the world’s fastest growing sport with a community-focus and free sessions for young people.

With teachers explaining that pupils “loved the inter-activeness” of the event, there was also virtual reality experiences with SP Electricity North West, conversations about inclusion and disabilities with Happy Smiles Training, and lifesaving skills training with the NHS, where young people were told about the different pathways they could take in the health sector.

And with prizes to be won and a wide depth of industries on show, creative interest was piqued with Tim Quinn as he showcased his artistic work with Marvel Comics and encouraged pupils to follow their passion and dreams.

By the end of the ‘Build Your Future’ event, this passion and intrigue was evident as many young people left feeling engaged and inspired. School leaders emphasised this point, explaining that students were “incredibly positive” about the event, were “really engaged”, and left feeling “more confident than ever”.

Find out more about the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate (MBacc) (external link) and how it’s helping young people access great careers, or explore how employers can get involved and support technical education pathways on the GMCA's Help Shape Greater Manchester’s Future Talent webpage (external link).