Over 900 students attended EBP South’s Get Inspired Southampton and New Forest, in partnership with Southampton City Council, New Forest District Council and Solent University on the 11th of May.
On the 11th May EBP South returned to Solent University to run Get Inspired Southampton and New Forest, in partnership with Southampton City Council, New Forest District Council and Solent University. Over 900 young people from across Hampshire attended the event and took part in interactive activities, aimed to inspire them about the breadth of career opportunities in their local area.
Tamasin Gale, Senior Leader at Oasis Academy Sholing said “A fantastic opportunity for our young learners to have their eyes opened to a world of career opportunities they never knew existed. It was a day to remember and reflect upon in their next steps.”
The event, which was held in partnership with Southampton City Council, New Forest District Council and Solent University and sponsored by DP World, Fareham College. GO! Southampton, Southern Co-operative and Balfour Beatty, featured 39 businesses who engaged with the future workforce, breaking down job role stereotypes and raising awareness of their industries.
Richard Thomas, Access and Widening Participation Manager at Solent University, said “It was a pleasure for Solent University to host the 2023 Get Inspired Southampton and New Forest event. Not only did this event support young people to make informed choices about their future careers, but it was an opportunity for them to experience our state-of-the-art campus. We thank those involved including schools, exhibitors, sponsors and EBP South.”
Sally Igra, from the Economic Development team at New Forest District Council said “New Forest District Council recognises that the skills and career options of our young people are critical for the continued prosperity of the district and as such we were very pleased to partner with EBP South, Solent University and Southampton City Council to put on the Get Inspired Southampton and New Forest event. This event is an ideal opportunity to challenge preconceived ideas of specific types of employers or the careers available in the local area and it provides young people with an insight into organisations and careers they may not have previously considered.”
David Swieton, Employment and Skills Plan Coordinator at Southampton City Council said, “This growing event of Get Inspired has been well worth attending. Pupils I have spoken with have found company representatives to be open and engaging around their aspirations; providing insight into, up until now, hidden career paths. Business exhibitors, many of whom have returned after experiencing the value of previous years, have been enthusiastic about the quality of engagement. This event has once again provided great social value for Southampton and the New Forest. EBP South have provided all involved with a real opportunity to make a difference to the lives of young people and future health of businesses.”
