Traditional work experience remains valuable, but employers increasingly highlight the importance of transferable skills, workplace behaviours and career readiness alongside technical knowledge. To help bridge the gap between education and employment, Christian Bell, Portfolio Team Leader at Lincolnshire County Council, developed an Employer-Led Skills and Careers Roadshow for Year 12 students from Queen Elizabeth’s High School, Gainsborough.
Hosted at Mercury House Business Centre, the event brought together employers, professionals and 18 Year 12 students from Queen Elizabeth’s High School, Gainsborough, creating an opportunity for young people to gain insight into local career pathways while allowing businesses to connect with future talent. Designed as a modern alternative to traditional workplace visits, the roadshow combined employability workshops, employer presentations, networking opportunities and practical activities within a live business environment.
Students took part in activities focused on developing the skills and confidence needed for future employment, apprenticeships and higher education, including interview preparation, a trading game exploring employability skills, careers talks, networking with local professionals and sessions on entrepreneurship, business growth and artificial intelligence.
Employers including Jolly Good Web, Rubies & Smiffys and STEP Fusion shared real-world insight into their industries, helping students understand local opportunities and the skills needed to succeed. The practical approach helped students see how their interests and abilities could translate into future careers, with one student exchanging contact details with an employer to explore apprenticeship opportunities following the event.
"The Careers Roadshow pilot was developed to address the growing disconnect between young people and local employment opportunities across Lincolnshire. By bringing together businesses, education providers and students in a single, accessible environment, the event provided valuable insight into local career pathways while equipping young people with practical employability skills. The roadshow created meaningful opportunities for students to engage directly with employers, ask questions about different industries, and gain a better understanding of the opportunities available within their local area. The outcomes exceeded my expectations. Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees highlighting the value of speaking directly to employers and learning about careers they had not previously considered. Participating businesses also reported strong engagement and welcomed the opportunity to connect with future talent, promote their industries, and raise awareness of local employment opportunities."
Christian Bell, Portfolio Team Leader at Lincolnshire County Council
A student from Queen Elizabeth’s High School highlighted the value of the experience, explaining that the activities helped them understand the world of work, develop communication skills and learn more about the responsibilities expected within a professional environment.
The roadshow demonstrated the benefits of bringing employers and young people together in a meaningful way. By engaging directly with students, businesses were able to showcase their sectors, raise awareness of career opportunities and help shape the skills and behaviours needed by the future workforce.
"This event showcased what modern work experience can look like when employers, local authorities and schools work together. Rather than simply observing a workplace, students actively developed the skills, behaviours and confidence that employers tell us they value most."
Alex Nightingale, Operational Hub Lead at the Greater Lincolnshire Careers Hub
The success of the pilot highlighted the value of employer-led careers activities in supporting both young people and businesses. For employers, taking part provides an opportunity to inspire future talent, strengthen links with schools and showcase the opportunities available within their sector.
The Careers Roadshow provides a scalable model that can be delivered across additional business centres and schools, creating more opportunities for businesses to engage with future employees and support local skills development. By working with schools and careers partners, employers can play an active role in building the workforce of tomorrow.
Interested in getting involved? Contact the Greater Lincolnshire Careers Hub today: GLCareersHub@lincolnshire.gov.uk