Skills Show attracts over 70,000 people

London – The first ever Skills Show, held at the NEC in Birmingham from 15-17 Nov, attracted 70,738 attendees, according to figures from organisers of the event designed to provide information and inspiration on vocational training.

The attendance figures represent an endorsement of the event format, which featured demonstrations of skills in action and provided information and advice on careers and training opportunities.

More than 60 “Have a Go” areas allowed visitors the chance to try a “bite sized” activity in a new skills area, while over 50 ‘spotlight’ talks by a range of industry experts provided an insight into the realities of working in vocational skills.

In addition to providing onsite advice, careers advisors have made appointments with more than 1,000 young people to offer one to one interviews and counselling in the coming weeks, to assist with finding the perfect training course, apprenticeship or job.

“We are thrilled to have reached so many people in this, the first year of The Skills Show,” says Ross Maloney, the organisation’s chief executive, “as it demonstrates the energy and enthusiasm that people have for vocational skills, training and apprenticeships.

“From “Have a Go” areas to Spotlight talks from experts, Showcase demonstrations and support for competitors in the WorldSkills UK national skills competitions, the reaction from visitors at the show was overwhelmingly positive, and delivered on our objective to ‘inspire through involvement’.”

The Skills Show, which covered five halls of the NEC, also featured a full conference programme that brought together sector leaders, young people and businesses for two days of discussion.

“To create a consumer show reaching so many people from a standing start is a huge achievement,” continues Maloney, “and the support of the further education sector, our sponsors, volunteers and suppliers cannot be underestimated.

“We are now evaluating feedback from all of those involved to ensure that future events can be even bigger and provide an even better experience for all those involved.”

The show’s first morning was reserved for admission of primary school children, an activity which Maloney believes will prove invaluable in terms of future career choices: “By restricting our early day one admissions to the younger age profile, we ensured that they could experience the full range of activities on offer without being overawed by older pupils, and I am certain that we have instilled a new interest in skills in this younger age group.

Time will tell if they continue through to ultimately selecting a vocational career, but we have certainly opened their eyes to the opportunities which are available to them, and we look forward to welcoming them to future events.”