Get up to speed event showcases opportunities for young people in South Yorkshire

IT’S not every careers fair that can boast a climbing wall and a supercar display.

But such adrenaline-pumping activities were on offer alongside science workshops and traders stalls as more than 5,000 people attended the annual Get Up To Speed event at Magna.

Led by The Work-wise Foundation, the event aims to showcase the world of work to young people and offer the opportunity for businesses to engage with the next generation and with each other.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Students were able to explore some of industrial history and heritage with the chance to see a Spitfire, Vulcan XH558 Engine and classic police vehicles, check out a McLaren and take part in virtual reality and crime-solving workshops.

At a business breakfast, attended by special guest Dame Julie Kenny, companes joined together to discuss their journeys and strategies in meeting the dual challenges of growth and becoming a sustainable business, and how skills are at the heart of this.

Keynote speakers included Net Zero project director Richard Sulley and Tom Rumboll of Syniteq Ltd.

A panel discussion included contributions from Aesseal head of marketing Ava Jones and Sheffield Forgemasters group technical director Ian Nicholls.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Aesseal, which sponsored the event, also held a mechanical seal workshop, where students were able to build their own mechanical seals and learn about the components within a seal, while past and present apprentices also spoke at the event to share their journey through the business.

This year's theme was Skills for Sustainability, which saw exhibitors showcasing some of their innovations towards achieving net zero, as well as demonstrating some of the opportunities in the green energy sector which will provide employment for people in the future.  

Many of the local businesses who exhibited at the event used the opportunity to reveal innovative robotics and automation solutions that are likely to drive competitiveness in manufacturing and engineering in the future.

Dame Julie said: “Young people who visited Get up to Speed will come away feeling they can do whatever they want to do and be whatever they want to be.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It is great to see companies exhibiting their products and skills to inspire young people.”

Richard Sulley, Net Zero project director for South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, said: “We have world-class facilities and world-class universities in the region, so we need to make the best use of what is available to ensure that we can close the skills gap.

“Young people want to work for exciting companies where they feel like they are making a difference.

“Having sustainability at the forefront of business culture and priorities is becoming increasingly important.  

“This event is a great way to showcase just what opportunities exist for young people in South Yorkshire.”

Related topics:
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice