Instead of the usual interactive face-to-face exhibits, this year's focus was on bringing lessons to life by demonstrating how curriculum subjects are applied in the workplace. 

The aims of the event were:

• to help motivate students after and during a second lockdown
• to show students why subjects are relevant to real life – and why it matters!
• to inspire students to be positive about their futures

The event was split into two parts; the first part ‘Bringing Lessons to Life’ included speakers from businesses such as McAfee, Esri, Capgemini and BAM Construct who delivered a section of the curriculum and demonstrated how subjects are used in everyday jobs.

Teachers and students picked from a timetable of 25 x 30-minute live online employer-led careers in the curriculum lessons for Year 9 students. A wide range of subjects were covered from Maths and English to Physics and Music. Schools joined live on the day and asked the speakers some thought-provoking questions.

The speakers all talked about their career journeys giving young people a wealth of advice and helpful messages about routes into their industries and skills required such as resilience, problem-solving, persistence and enthusiasm. They encouraged students to follow their interests and passions. 

Marina Jackson, Under 19 Skills Manager & Career Hub Lead at Buckinghamshire Skills Hub commented "...Our employee-led curriculum sessions aim to embed careers within the curriculum and help students to understand the relevance of their subjects to future careers...Careers support and guidance will play a crucial role now more than ever. We are delighted with the support from our amazing employers."

The 2nd part of the event included 2 live webinars for 16-18 year-olds on careers advice for Years 11, 12 and 13 and their parents: 

Where next: employment, education or apprenticeship?

This webinar included presentations from local universities and apprenticeship experts; University of Buckingham, Bucks New University as well as our very own Heather Dean, Head of Skills and Business Support to guide on what employers are looking for.

Understanding the job market: what’s on your doorstep?

This included an update on the local economy post-19 as well as representatives from Buckinghamshire’s growth sectors – creative, space, health and care, digital, high-performance engineering and construction. The aim of the session was to inform about future career paths and inspire students about the great opportunities available to them. 

There was also the opportunity to book free 30-minute ‘What’s right for me?’ 1:1 advice and guidance session with a career’s expert.

All of our speakers thoroughly enjoyed the event and have already signed up for next year. Here's what some of them had to say:

"This is our third year with the Bucks Skills Show, first online. This has provided us with a platform to promote the hospitality industry and build up relationships with schools in the area. It has given up the opportunity to discuss careers in the industry and different pathways including apprenticeships. From this we also are providing work experience and site visits to show what we do and encourage students into the industry." - Sodexo 

"Going virtual this year for the Bucks Skills Show has been a very positive experience. At EKFB we have been delivering the Bucks Skills Show face to face until now, but the virtual classroom worked very well; big credit to the organisers for all the prep beforehand plus their support during the lessons." - EKFB

"Despite having to do it all virtually a brilliant event for students. As a local business to be able to participate and help is rewarding and to me a MUST." - ANT Telecomms

"The Bucks Skills Show was an excellently run opportunity to speak to some very bright and very engaged young students. It was by no means an easy ride; there were some tough questions, but it was really good fun and I'd definitely recommend it." - University of Oxford

If you are interested in sharing your experience and inspiring the next generation of young employees, register your interest here >