Thousands of students attended a Suffolk careers fair supported by more than 70 businesses.

The first ever FutureSkills Fair - hosted by Suffolk New College at its Rope Walk campus in Ipswich - brought together 3,000 youngsters from 35 schools in November.

Companies and organisations ranging from the RAF to Ipswich Town Football Club organised interactive activities and gave free advice and guidance to attendees. 

Sectors represented included construction, creative industries, energy, leisure, tourism, ports, logistics, sports and retail. 

Kevin Page of John Grose (Image: Suffolk New College)

The college's events co-ordinator Charlotte Rossiter said: “It was a fantastic turnout and a fabulous event that gave 14 to 16-year-olds the chance to chat to a host of businesses.  

“The whole purpose of the day was to equip young people with the knowledge and motivation they need to make informed decisions about their futures.” 

Among the participants was Rio Lewis-Samuel, 13, from Chantry Academy.

“There were lots of simulators for you to try out and I found the event useful. I’d say the day has been engaging and interesting,” he said.

Vicky Richards, a careers guidance professional at Chantry Academy, said: “It’s been really good – there have been lots of different sectors for the kids to see.” 

Sponsor Suffolk Chamber welcomed the event which is said showed the breadth of career opportunities in the county. 

Alan Pease and Terry Baxter with representatives from the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce at the Suffolk Skills Fair  (Image: Suffolk New College)

"Suffolk Chamber of Commerce is passionate about supporting initiatives that bridge the gap between education and industry," said chamber head of communication and marketing Yvonne Hargreaves.

"Sponsoring the FutureSkills Fair allows us to champion local businesses and inspire young people to explore the vast career opportunities here in Suffolk," she said.

"By connecting students with real-world insights and industry leaders, we’re helping to build a future-ready workforce that will drive sustainable growth and innovation in our region." 

Kevin Page of the used car sales team at John Grose Group said: “I think the event is great – it’s a one-stop shop to explore different avenues and enable the young people to make a more informed decision on what to do next.” 

Students getting a go in a cherry picker at the fair (Image: Suffolk New College)

Key sponsors which gave their time and financially supported the fair included Ipswich Town Football Club, Sizewell C, University of Suffolk, Chassis Cab Truck Centres, Ceetech, John Grose Group, S&P Ventilation Systems, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, Care Development East, Barnes Construction, McCann, Wincanton, Hudson Group, ABP and Galldris.  

College principal and chief executive Alan Pease said: “A massive thanks to our key sponsors, every business who gave up their time and the schools and their teachers for their support.

"It was a great day that really brought the community together to support the next generation - and it was a pleasure to be the host.”