HIVE Skills Showcase
On the 7 and 8th March 2018, DACA marked National Careers Week by hosting their annual BWD Hive Skills Showcase – an interactive event organised by DACA, Hive Business School and Inspira. The aim of the event was to increase the amount of engagement between students, businesses and schools, an aim which is well championed by DACA already who actively support their students to develop the enterprising skills which employers, apprenticeship providers and universities are looking for.
DACA welcomed around 1200 students, aged 13-16, from 8 different schools across Blackburn and Darwen who had the chance to visit a choice of 9 careers zones: STEM, creative, professional and business services, engineering, hospitality, CEIAG (careers education, information, advice and guidance), manufacturing, public services and volunteering. With the option choices for Year 9 on the horizon, the timing of this event came at a very important point in the academic year. Students were provided with a variety of career guidance activities with the aim of helping support them into their future career choice.
Each zone hosted up to three different businesses, who each delivered a 20 minute interactive activity aimed at informing students about the skills needed to work in the industry (while having some fun along the way!). There was a huge range of activities on offer, from planning educational trips events to participating in a virtual parachute jump! The event is supporting the national strategy to build a better Britain by investing in the skill development of young people to meet the changing needs of businesses.
Nearly 30 local businesses signed up to take part in the showcase and as always participation was again high this year as not only does the event help businesses boost their profile and inspire young people to consider a career in their sector, but it also provides a way for them to help identify the skill requirements that their businesses will need in the future.