HUNDREDS of students from Basingstoke and Test Valley enjoyed an event earlier this month learning all about career options in the local area. 

EBP South was pleased to return to the Apollo Hotel Basingstoke on Wednesday, February 8 for Get Inspired Basingstoke and on Thursday, February 9 for Get Inspired Basingstoke and Test Valley.

Both events were held in partnership with Lenovo and sponsored by Enterprise M3 and CEC (Careers and Enterprise Company) and supported by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, with Test Valley Borough Council also sponsoring the event on Thursday. 

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Eighteen schools and education centres came to the events across the two days, with over 800 young people between 10-18 attending. 

These events give young people the opportunity to see various roles and career paths available to them and makes them aware of the requirements of different jobs and roles.

According to the Youth Voice Census Report in 2022 (which included 4,000 young people aged between 11-30), only 34.4 per cent of people surveyed thought they understood the skills employers were looking for.

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Thirty-nine businesses attended across the two days with interactive exhibits designed to engage and challenge the future workforce. Activities included a Sphero maze challenge, an interactive liquid nitrogen show, painting with fluorescence and using VR headsets.

EBP South chief executive Richard Kennet said: “Get Inspired Basingstoke offers businesses a valuable opportunity to engage with the future workforce and increase social value. We are delighted to have such a wide range of organisations here today, inspiring young people about the opportunities available in their local area and, in turn, helping to bridge the skills gap and strengthen their own recruitment pipelines.” 

HR director for Lenovo UK and Ireland Adam Lupton added: “At Lenovo, our vision is to create smarter technology for all, so it’s vital we inspire the next generation to study STEM subjects and outline the breadth of career opportunities available."

“Hampshire has been home to Lenovo for 15+ years, and we’re passionate about our community, so it’s really important for us to connect with students in our local area and encourage students to think about the careers and opportunities which this industry has to offer.”