Fakenham factory and Holkham Estate support careers festival
Fakenham's Kinnerton chocolate factory and Holkham Estate were among employers present for an inaugural North Norfolk skills and careers festival.
The event at Paston College was attended by more than 600 students from seven local schools. It was designed to help young people from the region discover career opportunities and apprenticeship openings available locally.
There were representatives from more than 40 employers, training providers and universities on hand to chat to students about the wealth of opportunities close to home.
The festival, organised by Paston College, City College Norwich and North Norfolk District Council, built on the success of the North-East Norfolk Futures events, which have been held at Paston College in recent years.
The new festival follows the recent merger between Paston College and City College, which has allowed the event to expand.
Cllr Nigel Dixon, NNDC Conservative portfolio holder for economic development, said: “This event was designed to plant a seed with the pupils and show them early on just how many exciting opportunities are on their doorstep.
“It means that when these students begin to think seriously about the world of work in a few years’ time, they will already have a good working knowledge of what is available locally.”
Local education providers ran a series of hands-on activities linked to subjects or sectors. Paston College staff also ran an interactive science and technology zone, which highlighted the many career opportunities available with local businesses keen to attract recruits with skills in science, technology, engineering and maths.
Cllr Nigel Lloyd, NNDC Lib Dem shadow portfolio holder for economic development, said: “It is pleasing that so many local employers and colleges gave their time to support this event for the benefit of young people in our district. Careers events such as this one serve to open young people’s minds to the wide range of opportunities available to them in the area.”