Two thirds of UK adults believe that employers value work-based skills as much as, or more highly than, academic qualifications according to a new survey from The Skills Show. Vocational careers are enjoying a new-found respect among Britons, who are increasingly aware of the vital role that skills, apprenticeships and work-based learning have in the employment market.
More than half (58%) of those questioned for the survey, commissioned to coincide with The Skills Show which takes place at the NEC Birmingham from 15-17 November, thought that they would be more likely to get a job if they had a skill or trade than if they had a degree.
The ‘Skills Snapshot 2012’, a study of 2,000 UK adults, shows that almost two thirds of those questioned feel they could pursue their dream career if they had more support, advice, information and training to help them develop the skills they need and identify opportunities which exist in the world of work. And more than half of those questioned would turn to a respected professional in their chosen field to help them develop and refine their skills.
Young people who are considering their future options, and adults looking for a new career, will have an ideal opportunity to get all the advice and support they need at The Skills Show – the UK’s biggest free skills and careers event. The show will give up to 100,000 visitors the opportunity to discover more about work-based skills, further education and apprenticeships.
Ross Maloney, Chief Executive of The Skills Show, comments: “The way we think about work-based skills and their value to the UK economy is changing. Vocational careers are now seen as genuinely exciting opportunities for young people and with so many options now available, there is a chance for everyone to be successful.”
As well as being able to discuss future careers and training opportunities, visitors to The Skills Show will also be able to watch a huge range of vocations in action. The best of the nation’s young talent will be performing in the WorldSkills UK Competitions, many of which are UK finals, that are designed to excite interest in individuals and employers to develop vocational talent to the highest levels. 56 different disciplines will be judged, ranging from stonemasonry to hairdressing to car painting and environmental science.
The Skills Show Event
Always wanted to try your hand at something different? The Skills Show will provide visitors with a unique range of opportunities to “Have a Go” at more than 45 new skills, from constructing a brick arch through to building a miniature aeroplane and creating specialist make up techniques used in TV and film. In addition, 100 employers, training providers and individuals will deliver a series of free Spotlight talks, giving insights and insider knowledge about a wealth of careers and industries, while more than 50 organisations will stage specially designed Showcase performances throughout the event, to demonstrate the breadth of learning opportunities open to young people.
200 companies, educators and training providers, such as Premier Sponsor of the show City & Guilds, will be exhibiting during The Skills Show. A special engineering and manufacturing feature, supported by senior show sponsor BAE Systems and key sponsor Jaguar LandRover, will celebrate the UK’s engineering and manufacturing successes. 12 of the Midlands’ colleges are sponsoring the show and will be showcasing their abilities in an eye-catching further education feature, while visitors can also access impartial careers advice at specially designed hubs around the event. The Skills Show will also play host to a conference programme delivered by three strategic partners that brings sector leaders, young people and businesses together for two days of productive, informative and exciting content.
For more information and to register, visit www.theskillsshow.com
“Young people have so much potential just waiting to be unlocked,” continues Maloney. “We are confident that The Skills Show will help them to discover skills that inspire them and which, with the right support and advice, will help them realise their dreams.”
