CARLISLE’S next generation of budding business leaders are preparing to gather in the heart of the city on Saturday, September 21, for the city’s inaugural Talent Connect event, which will be launched by John Stevenson MP. 

For one day only, Carlisle city centre will play host to a day-long event designed to bring young people together in one place so that they can get inspired, discover high-profile career opportunities, take a different look at learning, and get involved in creating a bright future for themselves and for the City of Carlisle.

From 10am, the city centre around Market Cross will be split into four zones for this innovative event, the enterprise zone, careers zone, learning zone, and chill out zone.

Throughout the day there will be a host of interactive activities, demonstrations, and workshops to help Carlisle’s young people open their eyes to the wide range of future employment opportunities available to them right here in Cumbria.

Workshops get underway at 10.30am, with Krome Technology talking about cyber security and staying safe online; 11.20am sees NXT Recruitment providing CV advice, and hints and tips to stand out from the crowd; at 12.10pm Darren Horne will spend time talking about the value of effective communication; at 1pm members of the team from Borderway Finance will chat about financial awareness, providing advice on money, like buying that first car; 1.50pm members of the Talento team will outline the three Cs needed to build your confidence; the last workshop will round things off at 2.40pm with CIPD Cumbria chatting about personal career development.

There will also be a host of practical talks, with proceedings getting underway at 10.25am with Phil Taylor, from Mencap, chatting about careers in the third sector; 10.50am will see Michael Lowerson, from Lancaster University, outline the value of further education; at 11.20am Debbie Francis from Direct Rail Services talk about investing in yourself; 12.00 noon will see Sian Rae and Holly Moxon, from Cartmell Shepherd, give an insight into legal careers; at 12.40pm Scott Wigglesworth, from Blackfell Photography, will chat about photographic careers; 1.10pm will see Karen Stalker, from Cumbria Transport Logistics, outline opportunities in transport and logistics; at 1.35pm Mia Abbott, from Staffordshire University, will chat about her path into forensic science; at 2.05pm Bruce Richards, from Paragon Veterinary Practice, will highlight opportunities in veterinary science, at 2.45pm, Peter Johnston, from John Watt & Son, will chat about working in the hospitality industry; and the final talk will get underway at 3.15pm with the Centre Parcs team outlining careers in hospitality.

Michelle Masters, Carlisle Ambassadors, project lead, said: ‘’Young Ambassadors Talent Connect is designed to share ideas, knowledge and skills. We aim to help them discover that they have the power to shape their own futures simply by finding out what’s out there.

“We want to raise the aspirations of Carlisle’s young people, to get them to look beyond their pre-conceived ideas of the future career opportunities open to them, should they choose to live and work in the county.’’

John Stevenson MP for Carlisle, said: ‘’This is a brilliant opportunity for young people to discover the fantastic career opportunities that are available to them locally, without having to move away from Carlisle. I am pleased to hear that there will be such a variety of workshops and activities offered throughout the day, which I hope will inspire the next generation.”

Leader of Carlisle City Council, Cllr John Mallinson, added: “The Talent Connect event is a great opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to meet up with local businesses and be inspired to help share the city’s future.

“Thanks to all the businesses that have volunteered their support, and also the Young Ambassadors’ group for providing the inspiration for the event.”

To find out more about Talent Connect contact Michelle Masters by email: info@carlisleambassadors.co.uk, or by calling 07810 224 735.

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