The Big Bang Fair South West is the flagship event for inspiring young people across the region into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) careers.
Now in its 10th year, CSW Group are delighted to host this event at Westpoint Arena, Exeter on Tuesday 25th June 2019.
The South West has a huge amount to celebrate when it comes to STEM. The region has excellence in advanced nuclear and marine engineering, digital, creative and nano-technologies, agri-tech and the food and drink sectors, along with the largest cluster of aerospace industries in the country. CSW Group are excited this year to be welcoming sponsors from across these industries to this year regional event.
The much debated UK wide skills shortage is known to be one of the key barriers to business growth according to the Local Enterprise Partnerships. Business West’s 2017 Business Skills Survey found that over half of businesses found it difficult to fill vacancies and 69% blamed a low number of applicants with the required skills and qualifications.
The Heart of the South West LEP Productivity Strategy highlighted other factors including significant gaps between destinations of young people and the needs of the labour market, as well as gaps in young people’s own knowledge of progression into the world of work. Engineering UK research found that just a third of 11 to 14 year olds know what steps to take to become an engineer after finishing secondary school.
The most recent CBI/Pearson annual Education & Skills report highlighted that the number of businesses engaged with schools or colleges is down by almost 10%. With this in mind, the Enterprise team at CSW Group is committed to facilitating a range of opportunities for young people to meet with employers throughout their time in education, whether that is through work place visits, work experience, mentoring, enterprise days or careers talks and events such as Big Bang.
The Big Bang Fair South West will showcase the strengths of our regional STEM labour market with a fantastic range of world class businesses inspiring and raising aspirations of young people. Those attending can get ‘hands-on’ in zoned areas with interactive workshops and science shows. All of the exhibitors bring engaging activities providing information about future job opportunities and the skills and qualities needed to enter that profession.
CSW Group is pleased to be supported by partners such as South West Business Council and Devon and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce whose network of employers will engage with the event.
You can find out more about The Big Bang Fair South West through the Big Bang team on 01392 215501 or email bigbang@cswgroup.co.uk