Bassaleg School worked in partnership with local businesses to engage its students and help plug the growing skills gap with its first industry careers fair.

The event supported by the ESTnet, was an opportunity for businesses in the local area to show the school, its students and parents what Newport and South Wales has to offer.

Historically, the school has had limited interaction with businesses and other commercial organisations in south Wales, this was the first event linked specifically with business. It’s a great opportunity for students to gain a better understanding of what opportunities are available to them.”

Many areas of the diverse electronics and software technologies industry were present, representatives from companies including, Axiom Manufacturing, SPTS, General Dynamics, Ernst & Young, Siemens, Celtic Manor, Wynne Jones, Harding Evans and Barclays attended the half-day event.

A total of 249 students in Year 9 were in attendance at the event along with parents. The students, aged between 13 and 14 years were able to speak with young graduates, apprentices and business leaders to gain a first-hand account of each organisation, and learn of potential future opportunities.

David Davies, managing director at Axiom, comments, “Wales’ world class manufacturing industry provides exciting and diverse career opportunities for young people whether it is in finance, engineering, IT or sales, the opportunities are vast. Many students fail to consider these when they think of a career in the industry. Part of that is due to image and with more events and engagement with schools like Bassaleg, we can help to address this.”

The careers fair provided the opportunity for employers to make lasting impressions on students, attracting them for future employment and addressing the demand for future engineers. The day also provided a platform for students to learn more about the career opportunities available to them as teachers were also on hand to discuss subjects suitable for their chosen career paths.

Andrew Evans, commercial director at SPTS, said: “We have always been keen to employ local people, and strive to play a key part in the development of future skilled workers for the electronics sector. By attracting young people we ensure that our workforce has the practical skills and qualifications the business needs.”

Avril Lewis, managing director of the ESTnet concluded: “Wales’ technology sector is a vibrant and growing industry, but we need to attract the students back into the courses if it is to remain successful. Which is why it is imperative that businesses do more to support and engage with local schools, colleges and higher education institutions, and not ‘wait’ to be approached. Events like this are a perfect example of how it can work.”