Businesses from across the Midlands will be coming together at the University of Worcester, for the fourth annual event aimed at educating secondary school pupils in the growing opportunities in environmental careers.
Schools from across the region have been invited to the Skills for Tomorrow event and will be encouraged to explore the challenges and career opportunities associated with areas such as responsible tourism, ethical food production, sustainable cities and environmental stewardship.
The two-day event, on June 9 and 10, will get pupils involved in workshops, devised by the University's Institute of Education, and led by industry professionals and experts. The workshops will include challenges centred on real life examples. The day will also offer businesses an opportunity to exhibit their business insight into sustainability as well as providing invaluable career advice to students.
Katy Boom, Director of Sustainability for the University of Worcester, said: "The event not only provides opportunities for school students but also for university students to gain skills. Only 13% of companies feel they already have the skills they need in sustainability within their workforce.
"These events, now in their fourth successful year, provide university sustainability mentors hands-on experience working with expert practitioners. The sustainability mentors programme is both a progression framework for volunteers and also broadens the sustainability community programme to provide skills and trained students to support sustainability outreach in schools and the community."
Worcestershire-based building contractor, Speller Metcalfe, is among the many businesses attending the event.
Speller Metcalfe's Director of Sustainability, Adrian Speller, said: "This is our second year attending Skills for Tomorrow and another opportunity to show young people that there are a variety of environmental careers out there, perhaps in industries that they may not have considered before.
"It is important to teach students the impact they have on the environment and how businesses are working hard to lower their environmental impact through the adoption of innovative technology."
Worcester's MP, Robin Walker will be visiting the event, and will be delivering a keynote speech on the Friday.