Future careers under the spotlight at a dynamic careers event

The amazing diversity of careers in high-tech manufacturing are being showcased to school pupils at a unique conference next month in Staffordshire.

Teachers, career leaders, parents and students are invited to the Future of Work event, taking place at The JCB Academy in Rocester, on Wednesday, October 23.

Visitors will be given the opportunity to discover the huge variety of jobs available within manufacturing, design, innovation and engineering.

Supported by the ERA Foundation and the Design and Technology Association, the free to attend event brings together industry leaders and successful young employees to help inspire the next generation of sector specialists.

Representatives from companies including JCB, KMF, Rolls Royce, Lucideon, Toyota, Manufacturing Technology Centre and LiuGong Machinery are among the businesses taking part.

Will Stirling, Founder of Future of Work said: “This is the chance for teachers, parents and students to learn more about rewarding and exciting jobs that are available in manufacturing, the demand for skilled workers, the essential qualifications needed, and how developing technological trends could shape careers in the near future.

“Attendees will hear from a mix of expert speakers as well as young talent who have navigated varied and inspiring journeys into work.

“We’re looking to re-educate people about the reality of jobs in manufacturing, today and tomorrow, as they change with influences like AI, Machine Learning, digitalisation and climate change.”

The event comes as Make UK’s Q2 Manufacturing Outlook Report reveals there were 61,000 live vacancies in the UK’s manufacturing sector which means that, for every 100 jobs in the sector, two and-a-half are vacant. This ratio has increased since the pandemic.

And figures from EngineeringUK showed that school students who attended one or more STEM careers activities are three and-a-half times more likely to know what people working in engineering do and 3.4 times more likely to consider a career in engineering.

Will Stirling added: “These statistics show just how important outreach is in driving change and inspiring more students to consider progressing into the world of high-tech manufacturing. The sector needs many more qualified people and schools play a very important part in that.

“This event provides a platform which enables schools, parents, and businesses to seize the opportunity to help young people connect with careers in industries playing such a pivotal role in our future”,

The conference takes place from 5pm until 8pm and is aimed to inspire students from years 9 to 11. Refreshments are provided.

The free tickets must be booked in advance, and can ordered by visiting https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-future-of-work-inspiring-young-people-staffordshire-derbyshire-tickets-939336168767?aff=erelexpmlt