Grimsby’s annual Skills Fair attracted nearly 2,000 students from North East Lincolnshire, marking the event’s 11th year. Held at Grimsby Auditorium, the fair connects local students with education, training, and career opportunities. Organised by North East Lincolnshire Council, Franklin College, Grimsby Institute, and Wilkin Chapman LLP, the fair brought together over 60 exhibitors, including universities, local employers, and national organisations like the NHS and the British Army.
A key highlight of this year’s fair was the STEM Village, sponsored by Phillips 66. It provided students with hands-on activities, virtual reality experiences, and live demonstrations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers, showcasing the growing demand for skilled workers in the Humber region. Industry forecasts predict the Humber will require over 12,000 new workers in energy and construction, and 10,000 in offshore energy by 2030.
Construction management company GMI participated in the event, emphasising how local development projects are creating career opportunities for young people. The fair also demonstrated the vital role that collaboration between local authorities and businesses plays in creating pathways for the next generation.
For ongoing support, young people aged 16 to 18 can contact the Young People’s Support Service (YPSS) throughout the year.
Image credit: North East Lincolnshire Council
