Inspiring Dorset’s young future workforce at first ‘secret’ sector festival

More than 300 Year 8 and Year 9 students from 21 schools across Dorset have taken part in a first-of-its-kind skills festival, learning ‘secrets of the trade’ from specialists in the military, security, and cyber industries.

Students from a variety of education settings across Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council areas, took part in interactive challenges led by local employers, colleges and universities at The BattleLab in Dorset Innovation Park.

Councillor Richard Biggs, Deputy Leader of Dorset Council and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Growth & Strategic Assets, said: "Events like this are essential if we want to build the skilled workforce Dorset's employers will need in the future. Many young people, parents and teachers simply aren't aware of the breadth of careers available across the military, security and cyber sectors.

“By giving students the chance to meet employers and organisations from these sectors and experience real-world challenges in an engaging way; we're helping them to understand how their own skills match local opportunities and be better placed to discover the pathways they can take to access them.

"Just as importantly, we're encouraging employers to engage with young people much earlier. Career aspirations and subject choices begin to form long before students reach the end of secondary school.

“Businesses that get involved in careers education today are helping to develop the talent pipeline they will rely on tomorrow, particularly as this sector significantly contributes to Dorset's economy.”

The festival comes at a time when concerns are growing nationally about increasing numbers of young people becoming not in education, employment or training (NEET). Early engagement with employers can help young people better understand the relevance of their learning, develop essential employability skills and make informed decisions about their futures.

Dorset Careers Hub Lead, Jan Champney, added: “For many young people, this was their first opportunity to step into a specialist working environment and take part in activities shaped by employers.

“The festival provided opportunities for students to work through real challenges, interact directly with professionals from a range of roles and gain insight into how their skills and interests can be applied in the workplace.

“As the government continues to champion modern work experience, events like this show the value of high-quality employer engagement, helping young people build confidence, reflect on what they have learned and make informed decisions as they begin to consider their future pathways.”

Organisations supporting the event included SW Cyber Prevent, CybExer (UK), Yeovil College, Coastland College, Bournemouth University, Thales, Iprosurv, British Army, Royal Navy and TKMS Atlas UK.

Dorset Careers Hub is encouraging organisations of all sizes to support careers education activities, whether through careers talks, workplace visits, mentoring, skills workshops or work experience opportunities. Employers interested in getting involved can register their interest through the Dorset Careers Hub website.

Working with schools and colleges, Dorset Careers Hub connects education and industry to help young people understand the opportunities available to them while supporting employers to develop their future workforce.

There is more information for schools and businesses on our Dorset Careers Hub website or you can email the team.

Find out what the day was like for our cyber, security and defence students in our highlights reel.