The Skills show - anybody been?

[applesareredandgreen]

Have seen/heard adverts for The Skills Show at NEC (Birmingham) on Saturday (18th). I’m trying to persuade DS to go - he’s currently Y12 doing 2 A levels and a BTEC at college but a bit clueless at to what he wants to do afterwards career wise. He’s considering uni - but I don’t really think it’s for him academically. I thought something like this may give him some useful options but DS isn’t keen - he has a ticket to a football match on the afternoon and I suggested he go in the morning but it would take him over an hour to get there.

I was wondering if anybody had experience of this in previous years and if they thought it useful/ worth the time going (it’s free entry but obviously transport costs etc)

Dd volunteered a couple of years ago and I visited- it is excellent. A chance to talk to all sorts of people about all sorts of careers. Good freebies too! GCHQ were there😮 saying no photos..... website is good- the career cloud bit helps you plan how to use your time.

I went with dd a few years ago and agree it is excellent, but he won't have time to travel an hour each way, take full advantage of it, and get back in time for the match (unless it is the 5.30 kick off). We spent several hours there. dd wasn't that keen to go in the first place, but really enjoyed it - lots of practical activities to have a go at, from brick laying to trying to make enough power riding a bike to light up something. From doing a bit of welding to sitting in a Formula one car.
I only wish they kept it open on the Sunday as well so I could take dd2. I did ask this last time I went, and they said it is on the Thurs + Fri for schools to bring whole year groups - but not much help if your dc's school doesn't of course. That said, I know a few families who have taken them out of school to go. Doesn't help of course if you are at work yourself!
However, I ramble on!

Yes, it is worth going for the day. Not sure if it would be worth your travel for an hour ot two though.

Thanks for your advice - I think it would have been useful but it's not going to be practical time wise. I didn't realise it was on on Friday as well. As you say a Sunday would be useful.

Have a look on the website and get your son to log on and try the careers cloud bit. Might give him some insights. All free.