Thousands of young people explored career options at a major skills fair.
The FutureSkills Fair, held at Suffolk New College’s Ipswich campus, welcomed around 3,500 visitors and featured 73 businesses and organisations offering advice and insight into a wide range of industries.
Now in its third time, the event aims to address the growing number of 16-to-24-year-olds not in education, training, or employment, a figure the Government recently warned is nearing one million.
Charotte Rossiter, events supervisor at Suffolk New College, said: "This event was a roaring success.
"Students were able to get advice about their future careers.
"They got to hear from businesses who were involved in everything from construction to cooking and farming to football.
"It was a tremendous effort by my colleagues and all of the companies who came along to support us.
"And it was brilliant that so many schools engaged.
"A huge thanks to everyone."
Buses brought students from across Suffolk, Norfolk, and Essex to the one-day event.
Exhibitors said the fair helped them connect with young people and promote career pathways.
Scott Hayden, who is on an industrial placement scheme with the regional and external affairs development team at Sizewell C, said: "Sizewell C has so many opportunities for young people so it’s important we support events like this."
Visitor feedback was also positive.
A student named Ramot from Ipswich Academy said: "It tells you more about what you can be in the future."
Thirteen-year-old Jack, also from Ipswich Academy, said: "I like how it showed you all the cool things you can do.
"I think it has been useful."
Their teacher, Mal Akhlak, described the fair as an "amazing event."
He said: "We always feel very welcome.
"We were personally greeted by the principal when we arrived and there were so many employers and community organisations who attended."
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