Building skills and inspiration for a more sustainable future for Somerset
The Somerset Sustainable Futures Initiative was launched on Tuesday, 26th November, at Taunton Rugby Football Club. The event saw students from primary and secondary schools across Somerset gather to learn about green skills and future career opportunities. They had the chance to meet local organisations and employers leading in sustainability practices and participated in a youth voice summit to share their views on the future and what they want prioritised in their curriculums.
The initiative is a collaboration between Somerset Council, Dorset & Somerset Training Provider Network (DSPTN), Somerset Education Business Partnership (EBP), Somerset Careers Hub, and local businesses. It aims to build the skills needed for a sustainable future workforce, inspire the children and young people of Somerset, and develop relevant and meaningful learning experiences and future-proofed resources in partnership with businesses, stakeholders, and children.
The launch event featured a diverse collection of Somerset employers, charities, and organisations, all coming together to inspire students about careers and how they can contribute to a more sustainable future through an immersive and interactive green careers exhibition.
Following the exhibition, Castle School student James Lawson, a youth parliament representative and climate action activist, delivered a powerful keynote speech. This was followed by an impressive youth voice session with both primary and secondary school students.
The highlights of the day were the keen engagement of the young people with exhibitors and the youth voice event, where they posed thought-provoking questions and comments. These insights will drive the next steps of the initiative in Somerset.
Julie Young, Advisor for Careers and Pathways at Somerset Council, said of the event:
"It was exciting to launch the Somerset Sustainable Futures initiative with our primary and secondary schools, to make sure we gathered the views of our young people and to hear what they felt were the most important issues relating to sustainability. We were excited and amazed to see and hear how passionate our young people are about this agenda, what great ideas they have, and how keen they are to help us shape our Somerset Sustainable Futures programmes moving forward."
Richard Jenkins, Operations Director at the Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network (DSTPN), commented:
"I would like to give recognition to our local businesses who joined us at the event. Their engaging displays and activities captivated the students, giving them a hands-on opportunity to learn about the innovative ways they are contributing to a more sustainable Somerset. It was fantastic to see them inspiring the students through relevant and meaningful conversations and showcasing the practical steps they are taking to address our environmental challenges."
Students were also invited to use their creative talents and passion for creating a more sustainable future by designing a logo for the Somerset Sustainable Futures initiative. The winner of the logo competition will receive a prize for themselves and their school, and their logo will be launched on the new Somerset Sustainable Futures website in the new year.
For more information, please contact Imelda Leetch at Somerset Education Business Partnership: Imelda.leetch@somerset-ebp.co.uk
Released On 12th Dec 2024