Growth committee members see Careers Hub impact first-hand
Members of the Growth Scrutiny Committee recently attended the Greater Lincolnshire Careers Hub End of Year Event and Lincolnshire Institute of Technology STEM Challenge Final at the Lincolnshire Showground, providing an invaluable opportunity to see first-hand how schools, employers and education partners are working together to support the next generation of Lincolnshire's workforce.
The invitation followed a number of discussions at Growth Scrutiny Committee and Skills Board meetings regarding skills development, careers education and opportunities for young people. Councillors attending the event received a comprehensive briefing from Lee Douglas, Careers Hub Strategic Lead, on the work of the Greater Lincolnshire Careers Hub, gaining a deeper understanding of its role in connecting education, business and local government to address local and national skills priorities. The presentation highlighted the breadth of the hub's activities and demonstrated the significant impact being achieved through employer engagement, careers education and innovative work experience opportunities.
One of the highlights of the day was the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology STEM Challenge Final, where teams of students showcased engineering solutions designed to navigate challenging terrain while keeping a payload stable and secure. The quality of the designs on display was a testament to the creativity, resilience and ingenuity of Lincolnshire's young people. The competition illustrated how curiosity can be transformed into practical application through engineering, design, craftsmanship and problem-solving, helping to ignite aspirations and broaden horizons for future careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Attendees also heard directly from young people who had participated in a range of employer-led projects and modern work experience opportunities. Their experiences demonstrated the wide-ranging benefits of careers education beyond technical knowledge alone.
One group of Year 9 students presented an innovative business concept focused on sustainability, developing insulation materials for buildings using fabrics that would otherwise have gone to landfill. Through the project, they explored how businesses are established and operated, learnt about financial responsibility and teamwork, and considered how ethical and environmentally conscious practices can be integrated into commercially viable products.
Another group showcased an affordable purse design created to address everyday consumer needs through practical, durable and cost-effective solutions. Their presentation highlighted entrepreneurial thinking, creativity and an understanding of customer-focused product development.
Councillors also heard from two T Level students who had completed work placements with the Lincolnshire Co-op, gaining experience in cyber security and project management respectively. Both reflected on how the placements had exposed them to career pathways they may not otherwise have considered and provided valuable insight into the modern workplace.
The event concluded with presentations from students who had undertaken barista placements with Stokes. Impressively, the students were able to put their newly acquired skills into practice by providing refreshments throughout the day, demonstrating confidence, professionalism and customer service skills in a real-world environment.
Across all presentations, a common theme emerged. Young people consistently spoke about increased confidence, improved communication skills, stronger problem-solving abilities and the opportunity to work collaboratively with others. Many described becoming more comfortable with public speaking, making new friendships and learning to make decisions in real-life situations, skills that will benefit them regardless of their future career paths.
The event also provided an opportunity for councillors to engage directly with employers who play a pivotal role in the Careers Hub network. These businesses continue to support young people through modern work experience, apprenticeships, mentoring and further education pathways, helping to ensure Lincolnshire develops a skilled, adaptable and future-ready workforce.
Members of the Growth Scrutiny Committee welcomed the opportunity to witness the impact of the Careers Hub's work first-hand and to hear directly from the young people whose lives are being shaped by these experiences. The event demonstrated the value of strong partnerships between education providers, employers and local government in creating meaningful opportunities that equip young people with the skills, confidence and aspirations needed to succeed in an ever-changing world.