The sixth Tees Valley Skills Event, which was held at Teesside University, was bigger than ever with a significant number of employers and learning providers showcasing a wealth of opportunities for young people seeking careers advice and guidance in the region.

The Tees Valley Skills Event took place at the Olympia Building at Teesside University and offered hands-on interactive activities from a range of employers, universities, colleges, learning providers, with 14-18 year olds from across the area in attendance.

Hosted by Tees Valley Combined Authority, in partnership with North Yorkshire Business and Education Partnership (NYBEP), Teesside University and Tees Valley Learning Provider Network, it is one of the largest events of its kind in the area.

Employers and learning providers exhibit at the event to meet their potential future workforce and demonstrate the skills and qualifications needed to build a career in a number of different sectors.

This year, 2,000 young people attended to speak to more than 75 different employers or learning providers about their career options.

Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor, said: “Ensuring young people leave school and college with the right career advice is a key part of my Plan for Growth.  The skills event helps to support the development of the area’s future workforce by highlighting the different routes to employment, education, training, apprenticeships and job vacancies at all levels.

“It’s also a great opportunity to showcase key local industries, businesses and further education establishments to students and demonstrate to them that the Tees Valley is a place where they can build a career and prosper.”

David Budd, Mayor of Middlesbrough and Cabinet Member of Tees Valley Combined Authority, said:  “As always this was a fantastic event, bringing together learning providers, employers and young people.

“It was a great success and proves once again the opportunities that are available in the Tees Valley, with a highly-rated University, that is the top North East higher education institution for graduates securing professional and managerial level jobs and world-class companies, investing and creating jobs.”

A number of local employers exhibited at the event including, British Steel, EDF, EE, Elringklinger, Hart Biologics, JDR Cables, Nifco, Royal Navy, Sembcorp and Sirius Minerals to name but a few.

Graham Taylor, Sembcorp Utilities UK’s Training and Development Manager, said: “The event was superb and provided a great platform from which we could showcase the many opportunities available to young people in a variety of industrial sectors at Wilton International.”