The first Bucks Skills Show, which took place on Saturday 2 July at the University Campus Aylesbury Vale, was aimed at those aged 14-19 and their parents, delivering more than a traditional career show. Lively exhibitors from household names including Glaxo Smith Klein, GE Healthcare, The Royal Navy, Pinewood Studios, John Lewis and BBC Three Counties Radio were on hand with information and advice on a wide variety of careers and apprenticeships covering key industry growth sectors like life sciences, cyber security, IT, creative industries, retail, engineering and the care sector.

Fiona Morey, Deputy Principal at Aylesbury College, was delighted with the impact of the event: “The inaugural Bucks Skills Show was fantastic, a really incredible opportunity for young people and their parents to explore directly with employers the extensive range of career opportunities available. There was such a range of speakers and stands and lots of interactivity. It was brilliant.”

Bringing careers to life

Each exhibitor came with the intention of inspiring young people. And inspire they did. There were chances to sample different careers, from radio presenter to medical technician, along with games, goody bags, interactive displays, radio interviews and more, all of which helped to bring the various careers to life.

Erren Cardoza, Tring School, said: “I hadn’t realised it would be so much fun, or that there are so many opportunities out there. My head is buzzing.”

While some young people were treated for fake life-threatening wounds from the theatrical make-up team at Amersham and Wycombe College, others chatted with firefighters, coders, film-makers, lawyers, safari guides and members of the Royal Navy who were all there to open young minds to prospects they may not have considered.

Joseph Bishieri of Aylesbury based Sytel, who had a stand at the show, said: “It was a great day for all of us and a lot of fun! I had the chance to look around a few of the stands and listen to some of the speakers and I have to say the quality and variety of both was fantastic. Events like these are definitely something that I missed, and would have benefited me, back when I was 16 or 17.”

Young people were further inspired by talks from an exciting line-up of industry and education leaders who spoke insightfully about their careers throughout the day. From Sarah Wright, head of acquisitions at Sky TV, who bought Game of Thrones and Modern Family for Sky; to Brendan Walker, described by The Times as “the world’s only Thrill Engineer” and the brains behind some of our most exhilarating rollercoasters; to Ketan Makwana, TED talker, serial entrepreneur, coach and mentor who spoke on being innovative and becoming successful.                                     

Jackie Campbell, Skills Development Manager at Buckinghamshire Thames Valley LEP, said: “We were delighted with the positive response to our first Bucks Skills Show from young people and their parents, who took away with them a greater insight and understanding of the career options open to them, while at the same time had a fun and entertaining time.

“It was wonderful to see businesses and educators getting interactive and engaging with the workforce of tomorrow. In view of the benefits to all we are now looking to repeat this event again in the future.”

Buckinghamshire Skills and Employability Programme

The Buckinghamshire Skills and Employability Programme, which has at its heart improved engagement with employers by skills and education providers, is focused on inspiring young people and helping them understand the relevance of their education. A key element is bridging the gap between young people and employers. The Buckinghamshire Skills Hub is highly instrumental in helping local businesses reach students and help prepare them for the fast-changing world of work. For further information please go to: www.oppsinbucks.org.