Nearly 13,000 students from nearly 900 schools and colleges – including over 1,200 learners from Caerphilly – will kick-start the new term by trying out scores of future job options first hand at the largest careers and skills event held in Wales.
The learners from several school including Blackwood Comprehensive School, Cwmcarn High School, Newbridge Comprehensive School, Oakdale Comprehensive School, Rhymney Comprehensive School, Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni and others, will be trying their hand at over 80 new skills ranging from catering to aero-engineering during the flagship three-day skillscymru event in Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium between September 16 and September 18. They will meet over 100 employers, advisers and trainers and get a panoramic view of the jobs market and new skills opportunities available in Wales.
The unprecedented free-entry event, which is also expected to attract thousands of adult career seekers, is designed to inspire people of all ages – from teenagers to adults – to raise their skill levels in a drive to overcome the recession and boost Welsh economic competitiveness.
The students will be accompanied by over 1,000 teachers who are hoping they will come away armed with new career ideas and clearer views on how to secure the skills they need for those careers.
The event is being staged by the Welsh Assembly Government with part funded by the European Social Fund to promote the goal of Wales as a high-skilled, high-performing nation.
Ministers are keen to accelerate the growth in the number of people in Wales with a qualification at level 2 or above. At present the figure is 71% of the working-age population.
Lesley Griffiths, Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills urged people to attend the event.
She said: “This is a tremendous opportunity to explore a host of potentially life-changing opportunities in the space of a few hours and emerge with plans for a more fulfilling and, in many cases, more financially rewarding career. Taking a conscious decision to raise vocational skill levels at any stage of life is hugely important both for the individuals concerned and for the businesses and communities of Wales.”
With competition for jobs intensifying in an uncertain market, it is essential that people identify the skills they need to succeed and commit themselves to acquiring those skills. skillscymru will expose students of all ages to a diverse range of careers, apprenticeships and various other learning paths, helping them weigh up their options and make important decisions about their futures.
For more information visit www.skillscymru.co.uk or www.sgiliaucymru.co.uk