Young  people deciding on their future careers could benefit from better careers guidance after an event for schools and businesses tonight.

 

Essex Skills Board is bringing together organisations from the academic and business sectors to discuss skills shortages in various sectors across the county.

 

The aim of the Educating Essex event at Anglia Ruskin University could positively impact on young people through better careers information and support, based on the skills businesses desperately require in the county.

 

Kevin Bentley, councillor responsible for Economic Growth and Infrastructure at Essex County Council, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for employers to voice their opinions on the skills provision in Essex and how it can be moulded to ensure young people now, and in the future, have access to the right qualifications and work experience opportunities in the right jobs.”

 

In Essex, there are skills shortages in sectors ranging from advanced manufacturing and engineering, construction, creative and digital media, health, care, logistics and IT and technology. By talking directly to schools and colleges, employers hope the skills shortage can be addressed and the needs of business supported.

 

The ESB is formed of employers throughout Essex, including Ford, Raytheon, e2v Technologies, NHS, Hallmark Care Homes, High House Production Park and Case New Holland.

 

ESB chairwoman, Suzanne Jude, Raytheon, said: “As a board we have been making excellent progress in tackling the skills challenges which we are collectively experiencing.

 

“This event will enable us to go further, by working together with more employers and educators to achieve real change and to ensure that individuals and employers alike have the skills they require.”

 

Board member David Stanbury, of the Employability and Careers Centre at Essex University, said the event could lead to a roll out of school based careers events and roadshows, which would ensure all young people got the right skills, whatever they were studying.

 

He said: “It’s very important for young people to think through what path they want to follow in life so they can begin early to gain the right skills and experiences as it takes time to develop ‘employability assets’ – knowledge, skills and attitudes. However, there is always scope to explore different options and to take careers in new directions if someone is confident and proactive.

 

“The event is a vital part of a process that brings together key stakeholders across greater Essex to analyse the skills and training needs for the county, co-ordinate employers with training providers, plan future provision, lobby Government for funding to create new training opportunities, and deliver innovative careers education and information.

 

“The aim is to make sure young people have the skills and information they need to make informed choices and gain satisfying and rewarding jobs, boosting the local economy and benefiting the people and communities of Essex.”

 

The event is part of the wider Essex Means Business week which aims to showcase what the county has to offer.

 

EDUCATING ESSEX

 

The Educating Essex event is on tonight from 6pm until 8.30pm at Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford.

 

Employers will also be able to hear about work already being supported by event organiser the Essex Skills Board, including the Digital Skills for Growth Programme, Essex Education and Industry Programme, Sector

Action Groups and the Skills Advisor portal for employers seeking training.

 

An updated Essex Skills Evidence Base booklet will also be provided to all attendees

 

For more information about the event, visit goo.gl/uHGCtQ