West Suffolk College’s ‘Sustainable Futures’ careers event in Bury St Edmunds is attended by about 650 young people
Young people have learned about job opportunities related to sustainability at a careers event.
Around 650 young people and 35 businesses attended the ‘Sustainable Futures’ event at West Suffolk College’s University and Professional Development Centre, in Bury St Edmunds.
The all-day occasion sought to give advice to attendees on a range of future employment opportunities relating to sustainability through business exhibitor stands, talks, workshops and immersive activities including virtual reality experiences.
Funded by the European Social Fund, a new Battery Energy Storage System was also unveiled thanks to the support of a Norfolk company called Connected Energy.
Event organiser Nina Hart, a sustainability curriculum lead for West Suffolk College and the Eastern Education Group, said: “There will be an element of sustainability to every job in the future and this event was all about showcasing the vast array of opportunities to our students in terms of this expanding industry.
“It was about raising awareness, educating and helping young people make informed decisions about their futures. Thank you to everyone who has supported us.”
Ben Abbott and Jason Tye came along from a company called Getech. Jason said: “We work with Lego Education to connect the dots and explain to young people how they can get in to certain careers, promote STEM industries and help students stand out from the crowd. It’s been fantastic.”
Emma Bridges, social value and communications manager for Milestone, which is Suffolk Highways’ contract partner, said “We promoted the opportunities we can offer young people so that they can have a sustainable career.”
Another attendee was Siobhan O’Dell, community liaison manager for the SUEZ recycling recovery UK. Siobahn said: “It went really well and we had some great conversations with some young people.”
Nigel Dent, head of sales for Connected Energy, unveiled a battery energy storage system. Nigel said: “I talked to students about how they can be part of our future.”
Charlie Miller, 18, from Cambridge, is on a level two health and applied science course. Charlie was impressed by the event and said: “It is helping people decide what they want to do in the future.”
Summer Winstone, 17, from Brandon, is also on level two health and applied sciences course. Summer said: “It’s nice to see the environment being appreciated.”
