Major organisations from across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire have hailed the success of the city’s first Aspiration Summit.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council staged the free careers event last week (Friday, October 7) as part of its ongoing efforts to support and promote skills, careers and employment in the city.
More than 600 young people took part in special workshops to learn what it is like working in construction, digital, health and social care and the emergency services. They also got the chance to hear more about new, exciting career opportunities with organisations such as the Home Office.
City council leader councillor Abi Brown said: “This Aspiration Summit was about much more than improving education attainment levels or creating new jobs – although they are important goals.
“It’s really about how we can work with key partners to help to raise our residents’ aspirations about what’s possible for them.
“We want to elevate people’s horizons when it comes to education, skills and employment, and transform life chances for people of all ages.”
The event also saw city leaders come together to talk about future opportunities around education, skills and careers before a jobs marketplace opened at the Kings Hall in Stoke.
Hundreds of job-seekers turned up on the day to meet some of the city’s top employers.
Around 50 organisations from across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire showcased the jobs they currently have up for grabs in sectors including education, logistics, manufacturing, retail and tourism and the NHS.
More than 1,300 vacancies were advertised during the event.
Alton Towers were recruiting for seasonal staff at the Aspiration Summit for the upcoming Scarefest and Christmas season.
Ryan Docksey, recruitment, learning and development manager, said: “We have various opportunities for seasonal staff for our upcoming Scarefest including food and beverage hosts. We’re also looking for hotel staff in the run up to Christmas.
“The Aspiration Summit was a great event and a chance for us to showcase that Alton Towers offers more than just jobs, we offer career progression.”
Broadband specialist Lila Connect hopes to create 150 jobs over the next 12 months.
Amy White, from Lila Connect, said: “We are a UK company but 62 per cent of our UK employee base comes from Stoke-on-Trent. The work we are doing in the city is our largest project area and the focus of our growth plans.”
Councillor Dave Evans, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “Our first Aspiration Summit was a huge success. We welcomed dozens of the city’s top employers and hundreds of job-seekers to the Kings Hall.
“I was very pleased to see that many of those who attended the event were young people. This goes to show that the city’s next generation have the drive and determination needed to take their first step onto the career ladder.
“As a city council it is our priority to do all we can to support and encourage young people to develop the skills they need to be able to reach their full potential and ensure they are as ready as they can be for the world of work.”
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