Less than half of exhibitor spaces are left at TechxFest, the UK’s first ever national careers event dedicated to inspiring the next generation of technicians.
The unique outreach event is taking place six months today (28 Sept 2023) at Derby Arena, bringing together 100s of industry partners to showcase a broad range of technical careers in science, technology and the creative arts to up to 2000 school children.
Rolls-Royce, Experian and Network Rail are just some of the businesses exhibiting at the event, which is being delivered by MI TALENT, University of Nottingham and University of Derby, with support from Amanda Solloway MP.
With six months to go, businesses across the UK who directly employ technical staff are now being encouraged to register for remaining exhibitor spaces at TechxFest 2023 before 1 June 2023.
Dr Kelly Vere MBE, Director of Technical Strategy at the University of Nottingham, said: “Engaging with young people from an early age about the broad range of career opportunities in technical roles is vital in helping to plug the future skills gap.
“Technicians play a vital role in all aspects of society, yet the technical profession suffers from a lack of visibility and recognition. We’re pleased to have support from globally-recognised household names, SMEs and regional industry partners at the UK’s first dedicated technical careers event.
“TechxFest aims to inspire the next generation of technicians and showcase technical careers to year 9 and 10 school children, we also want to share knowledge about the broad range of technical roles now available in science, technology and creative arts to teachers and schools too. I’m confident this new event will provide us with a platform to help us deliver on this ambition.”
Derby North MP Amanda Solloway said: “I am absolutely delighted to be working in partnership with MI TALENT, University of Nottingham and University of Derby to deliver TechxFest, which is set to be one of the biggest careers events of its kind, here in Derby, the birthplace and home of science and innovation.
“It is vital to inspire the next generation of technicians whose ingenuity, creativity and determination will help shape our society. These skilled professionals are needed in almost every industry, and it is today’s young people that will help ensure our changing world develops for the better.
“TechxFest promises to connect that burgeoning talent with the very best educators and the leading industries, harnessing their potential and building an exciting new generation of technical talent.”
Sally Akehurst, Head of the School of Human Sciences at the University of Derby, said: “We can foster greater innovation by creating a more diverse technical workforce and this event helps to promote fantastic opportunities to our young students of the future. We need to open their eyes to the breadth of careers available and ignite their desire to impact the future through STEM and creative arts. The technical profession is one that thrives in the East Midlands through world-leading industries and universities, providing our young people with a wealth of employment opportunities in the future through informed choices. We are looking forward to welcoming businesses and schools to the event in six months’ time.”
Find out more and register for an exhibitor space here
ENDS
Notes to editors:
The event was initially planned to take place on 2 March 2023, the date was re-arranged to allow for increased capacity.
