Business leaders are urging local companies to sign up and support an annual careers event.
The FutureSkills Fair will take place at Suffolk New College on Thursday 22 October 2026.
Over 3000 students have signed up to an event that will put them in front of potential employers of the future.
The occasion was originally hosted at Trinity Park but Suffolk New College took on the mantle in 2024, after the event stopped happening during and after Covid.
So businesses need to work together for the benefit of each other according to organiser Charlotte Rossiter. The Suffolk New College Events Supervisor said: “Earlier this year the government published figures suggesting almost 1million young people are not in education, training or employment (Young people and work: interim report - GOV.UK). So now more than ever we need to work together to inspire the next generation.”
So far 45 businesses have signed up with 13 sponsors. Sizewell C being the headline sponsor alongside Anglian Larder.
(Other sponsors include Associated British Ports, Bacton Logistics, Barnes Construction, Cory Brothers. Hudson Group, John Grose Group, J McCann Ltd, Kier, Rose Builders and Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and Suffolk New College_,
Elliott Murphy, Skills Development Manager at Sizewell C, said: “Sizewell C represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Suffolk. As well as creating thousands of jobs and training opportunities during construction, the project will leave a lasting skills legacy that benefits the region for decades to come.
“To help young people make the most of those opportunities, we’re investing in skills today. Through our College on the Coast partnership with Suffolk New College, and by supporting events such as the Suffolk FutureSkills Fair, we are helping the next generation build the skills, confidence, and ambition they need to succeed in the careers of tomorrow.”
Mike Bowden from Cory Brothers is backing the event. He said: “We’re delighted to showcase our business and the logistics sector to the next generation.
“This important event underlines our partnership with Suffolk New College building a clear path for students to enter the workplace with knowledge and clarity.”
Clive Moffat is the Development Manager for Suffolk Streetlighting that is part of Suffolk County Council. He said: “Events like the FutureSkills Fair give young people the opportunity to meet employers, understand the different careers available to them and see where those opportunities could take them. For us, getting involved is about helping to build those connections and creating clearer pathways into our industry.
“I’d encourage other businesses to get involved too. Giving even a small amount of time can make a real difference in helping young people understand the opportunities available locally and what employers are looking for.”
James Martin is the Operations Manager at Kier. He said: "Events like the FutureSkills Fair play a vital role in connecting young people with employers and helping them discover careers they may never have previously considered. As a construction business working to deliver the Sizewell C nuclear project, we're proud to support initiatives that invest in future talent and create opportunities across East Anglia.
We'd encourage other organisations to get involved and help inspire the next generation, while showcasing the wide range of rewarding careers available in our region."
Jenny Loyd is co-organising the event on behalf of the college with Charlotte. Jenny said: “This is the third time we have hosted this event that gets bigger and better every year. We would like to thank all of the businesses who have already signed up to support us. It’s a great opportunity for them to put themselves in front of thousands of students who will potentially be their employees of the future. We would urge anyone who wants to get involved to get in touch with us so they can play their part in supporting the next generation.”
If you want to be part of this event you can email: charlotte.rossiter@suffolk.ac.uk or JennyLoyd@suffolk.ac.uk