The annual Bucks Skills Show is the county’s largest interactive and experiential skills festival. With over 4,00 people in attendance in 2019 across the two-day event – aspirations were running high. Attendees were able to gain information from over 120 high profile exhibitors linked to Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnership growth sectors as well as prestigious guest speakers from Pinewood Studies, Google, Ministry of Sound, Bucks NHS Trust, the UK Space Agency and more!
Held at The Gateway in Aylesbury, the number of students inspired by the show increased by a third compared to the previous year. Students from over 59 schools across Buckinghamshire were able to learn vital information about a range of career pathways from a variety of sectors including creative, health and medical technology, public sector and space. Exhibitors ranged from global corporations such as Johnson & Johnson and Marriott Hotels to local businesses such as Monsta Pizza and Odds Farm Park.
Alison Lomax, Director of Retail at Google, who spoke at the event, said:
‘I was blown away by the breadth of exhibitors from every walk of the careers spectrum – it was so beneficial for students and I’d love to return to represent the digital sector next year.’
Parents were equally enthusiastic, with one mum commenting:
‘My daughter thoroughly enjoyed the Bucks Skills Show and took away lots of valuable information and resources. As a parent, it also helped me to understand the different paths she could take. We both came away very positive and enthused.’
Event organiser Marina Jackson from Buckinghamshire Skills Hub, summed up the event:
‘This year was undoubtedly a roaring success. Businesses, parents, students, and teachers all told us how much they benefited from it, and we must say a huge thank you to our four major sponsors – Cube Video, Flannery Plant Hire, Buckinghamshire College Group and Bucks New University – for making it possible. My next task is to book in dates for 2020!’