Dozens Of Employers To Showcase Career Opportunities At East Riding Apprenticeship Expo

More than fifty employers and training providers will gather at Bishop Burton College to offer future career opportunities and unbiased advice at the Hull and East Riding Apprenticeship Expo.

Future career paths will be unlocked for hundreds of young people as a major apprenticeship event prepares to open its doors.

More than fifty employers and training providers are set to exhibit at this year’s Hull and East Riding Apprenticeship Expo, offering a wealth of opportunities for those looking to take their first steps into the world of work.

The large-scale event is scheduled to take place in the Equine Arena at Bishop Burton College on Wednesday the 30th of September.

Members of the public will be able to access the expo between 3:45 pm and 6:00 pm, providing ample time after the school day for students to explore their options.

The exhibition is primarily aimed at young people currently studying in Years 11, 12, and 13, who are facing crucial decisions about their educational and professional futures.

However, the event is also open to the wider public, ensuring that anyone interested in pursuing vocational training can benefit from the resources on offer.

Organisers have made a concerted effort to ensure the event is inclusive, extending open invitations to home-educated young people, who are encouraged to attend alongside their parents and carers.

Care-experienced young people, as well as those who are currently not in education, employment, or training, are also strongly encouraged to come along and discover the pathways available to them.

A diverse range of exhibitors will be present on the day, representing various sectors and industries.

Some of the notable employers and training providers confirmed to be in attendance include Arco, Swift, Hobson and Porter, and the British Armed Forces.

The Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust will also be exhibiting, alongside numerous local colleges, providing a comprehensive overview of the local employment landscape.

The expo is the result of a collaborative partnership, having been jointly organised by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Hull City Council, and Bishop Burton College.

The event comes at a time when apprenticeships are continuing to grow in popularity, both on a national scale and locally across Hull and the East Riding.

According to the latest data released by the Department for Education, the uptake of apprenticeships among young people has risen nationally for the second consecutive year.

This data highlights that higher and degree-level apprenticeships are experiencing particularly strong growth, offering an alternative route to degree-level qualifications without the associated university debt.

On a local level, the region is performing exceptionally well, with Hull and the East Riding consistently exceeding the national average for sixteen to eighteen-year-olds entering into apprenticeship schemes.

Despite these encouraging statistics, employers operating across multiple different sectors continue to report ongoing challenges when it comes to recruitment and finding the right candidates for their roles.

Conversely, young people and their parents frequently report that navigating the myriad of apprenticeship options can be a confusing and often overwhelming experience.

This upcoming event aims to help bridge that gap by directly connecting local residents with employers, training providers, and unbiased careers information all under one roof.

Organisers are also keen to dispel common misconceptions, reminding the public that employed apprenticeships are not restricted by age.

Anyone aged sixteen or over may be eligible to start this type of training, making it a viable option for adult learners and those looking to change careers.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council's Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, Councillor Victoria Aitken, said:

"This event gives young people a great chance to discover the wide range of apprenticeship opportunities available locally and speak with the businesses and organisations behind them. We are looking forward to welcoming over 1,500 young people and know it will help them make informed decisions about their next steps and future pathways."

The portfolio holder for Children’s Services at Hull City Council, Councillor Linda Tock, said:

"As a council, we want all of our city’s children to have the opportunity to access good learning opportunities which pave the way for a successful and rewarding career in the future. This event will also help connect our region’s employers with future talent, bringing new, mutually beneficial opportunities to both providers and young people."

Further details regarding the event, including how to secure attendance, can be found on the dedicated Eventbrite page set up by the local authority.