GFirst LEP is proudly supporting Inspiring the Forest event

GFirst LEP is proudly supporting Inspiring the Forest event.

Inspiring the Forest event is taking place today on Thursday November 24 at Gloucestershire College’s Forest of Dean campus in Cinderford.

The event is organised by the Forest Economic Partnership (FEP) and its board chair, Neill Ricketts, owner of Versarien at Longhope and former GFirst LEP Board Member.

"Inspiring the Forest is a ground breaking initiative to raise the career  aspirations among our young people, their teachers and parents across the Forest of Dean. We want to raise awareness of the type of jobs available here in the Forest and increase awareness of the skills required for local jobs at all levels from apprentices to senior managers. If young people leave the Forest it is often very hard for them to come back. One of the things that I benefited from when I was a school leaver was seeing what opportunities were actually out there. You don’t know what you don’t know, and your ideal job could be just down the road." - Neill Ricketts

Over 850 Year-9 students from six schools in the Forest are invited to attend the day including Five Acres High School, Dene Magna School, Newent Community School, Forest High School, Wyedean School and Sixth Form Centre and Dean Academy.

The event offers insights on job opportunities in five local employment sectors:

• Hospitality and tourism, including food and drink production
• Engineering and manufacturing
• Professional Services
• Health and wellbeing, including beauty and self-care
• Communication and media, including digital and public relations

GFirst LEP are proud to support this event and our Education and Skills team will be present to offer careers support to the students.

Anyone can drop in between 3-5pm.