Skills show helps bridge the gap between education and employment

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A local skills show has brought together young people and local employers to talk about career opportunities in the district.
 
The East Cambridgeshire Career & Skills Show, organised by a partnership including Ely College, East Cambridgeshire District Council and Form the Future, is now in its third year and has continued to grow and attract attention from the schools, colleges and business alike.
 
The event was supported by employers from a variety of sectors, including the Army, ALS Food and Pharmaceutical, Michell Instruments and ISLE Veterinary Group LTD. Sponsors including polkadotfrog, The Employability Partnership and Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Collaborative Outreach Network were also on hand to offer advice on creating a CV and taking the next steps on their route in to further education or employment.
 
 
Nikki Pritchett, Work-related Learning and Enterprise Co-ordinator at Ely College said: "The event was put together originally to give both employers and students the opportunity to talk to each other about their aspirations for future employees and work.  I am so pleased and grateful that local businesses support  with not only attending, but sponsoring this event and that schools see the importance of great careers advice."
 
Councillor Lis Every said: "The event provided a great opportunity for both employers and young people to take time out of their normal routine and focus on the future. Businesses got to meet potential employees and students were able to explore the many opportunities for employment in the district. We are proud to be involved in the event, which echoes the council's priority for East Cambridgshire to continue to be a place where people want to live and work. "
 
Michaela Eschbach, Co-founder and Director of Form the Future C.I.C which delivers Signpost 2 Skills on behalf of the Greater Cambridge City Deal said: "It was wonderful to hear from employers that students they've met at our previous fairs have since joined as apprentices and employees. We hope that some of these latest contacts will be also lead to employment in the future."
 
Schools and colleges who attended the event included Ely College, Highfield School, Witchford Village College, Soham Village College, Bottisham Village College, Lakenheath High School and Kings School Ely.
 
Sponsors for the event included ARM, polkadotfrog, Michell Instruments, The Employability Partnership, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Collaborative Outreach Network, East Cambridgshire District Council, Ely Cathedral, Ely College, and Form the Future C.I.C.