Thousands from across Wales to attend returning SkillsCymru exhibition

THOUSANDS of visitors are set to descend on South Wales for a much-anticipated celebration of careers and education.

SkillsCymru 2022 will be held at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff over two days from Wednesday October 19.

Organised by Optimus Education – part of Shaw Trust – the free event is accessible for the whole family as a ‘Twilight Session’ will be held for parents and carers from 4pm-6.30pm on the opening day.

There they will be able to join their children in discovering the latest advice on careers, training courses and qualifications and make informed choices about their future.

With up to 45 exhibitors and more than 5,000 visitors expected to be in attendance, there will be plenty on offer for school and college groups to enjoy, including interactive workshops, presentations, and hands-on demonstrations across a range of careers.

Steph Reynolds, Director at Optimus Education, said the expo will give learners a post-pandemic boost following the challenges of past years.

“We have had an incredible response and are delighted to welcome people back to the Motorpoint Arena at such an important time for industries across Wales,” she said.

“Many sectors are facing a recruitment crisis or skills shortages, so this is a huge opportunity for private and public sector employers to showcase their industries to Wales’s future workforce.”

Steph added: “SkillsCymru is a platform for young people, their parents, and carers to discover what jobs and skills are in-demand in Wales today to help them better understand possible career paths they may want to explore.

“Importantly, with the support of schools and colleges across the country we can prepare future generations for the world of work, which is ever-changing.

“By including the evening ‘Twilight Session’ we have opened-up the exhibition to more people who may have been unable to attend, so we hope to see a good response to that.

“We thank people for their interest so far and look forward to seeing you there.”

SkillsCymru is delivered in partnership with the Welsh Government as part of its Young Person’s Guarantee, a new commitment to ensure that there is no lost generation in Wales following the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Young Person’s Guarantee will guarantee an offer of support for every child or young person aged between 16 and 25 who lives in Wales, to gain a place in education or training, or help to get into work or become self-employed.

Attendees will benefit from direct exposure to some of Wales’s biggest and most exciting employers – including South Wales Police, Cardiff Council and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service – and training providers to give them the best chance of finding a course or job that’s right for them.

Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said: “This event, which is free and open to anyone from the ages of 15 right up to 24, is a great opportunity to meet potential employers and to find out about the skills and training needed to enter an industry of your choice.

“Our Young Person’s Guarantee is striving to make sure no-one is left behind following the Covid pandemic. In doing so we will futureproof the thriving business communities we have here in Wales.

“Able to be held in person again for this first time since 2019, SkillsCymru has so much to offer. You’ll find advice, interactive demonstrations and maybe even a touch of inspiration to spur you on to your next education or training journey.”

SkillsCymru 2022 will take place on Wednesday October 19 from 9:30am-3pm and 4pm-6:30pm, and on Thursday October 20 from 9:30am-3pm.

For more information and to register for the free event, please visit skillsevents.com or email visitors@optimus-education.com.