A Bradford-based training body is staging a major event for young people and their parents from across the Leeds City Region next month which they hope will give a significant boost to knowledge about ways into vocational training and careers.

Aimed at 14 to 22-year-olds, the WorldSkills-WYLP Skills Show will promote opportunities in further education, vocational learning and apprenticeships and is being staged by the West Yorkshire Learning Providers Network, based at the Chamber business park in Laisterdyke.

Ashfaq Gulab, WYLP partnership manager, said it would be one of the biggest events of its type with more than 40 organisations, including training providers, employers, Connexions, the National Apprenticeship Service and Apprenticeship Ambassadors represented.

They will be providing speakers along with advice and guidance to young people and their parents and will stage interactive sessions to give youngsters a taste of skills they may need.

The free event on May 7 at the Leeds United Centenary Pavilion, from 11am to 7pm, is being staged through a partnership between colleges and learning providers, schools, employers and key stakeholders. It is supported financially through the European Social Fund and will include independent careers advice from the National Career Service.

Organisers also want teachers to attend to raise their awareness of apprenticeships and will be encouraging attendance by providing transport to the venue.

Ashfaq Gulab said: “Apprenticeships are an excellent way for young people to gain real-life skills that will give them long-term benefit. Apprenticeships are the ‘gold standard’ in vocational qualifications.

“The event is an opportunity for businesses to showcase what they do and what young people can achieve if they become an apprentice. Young people will have an opportunity to ‘have a go’ at interactive activities planned by colleges and learning providers to get a feel for new skills that they may have not considered.

“It is important that we have different routes into training and learning for our young people. It’s about giving them choice, and fostering their ambition so that they build the skills and confidence to succeed.”

For details, call Ashfaq Gulab on (01274) 665454 or e-mail Ashfaq.gulab@wylp.org.uk.

  • A social enterprise run by business students at Kirklees College has been nominated for a national award. The Phoenix Enterprise Society is in the running for a National Association of College and University Entrepreneurs award. Students also spoke about their business activities and ideas at the recent National Association of Colleges enterprise conference in London.