Inspiring the Forest is an aspirational project to create career change in the Forest of Dean District.
The project aims to raise career aspirations amongst young people, their parents and their teachers across the Forest of Dean; Raise awareness of the eclectic mix of businesses in the area and of the types of jobs available and increase awareness of the skills required for jobs locally at all levels from apprentices to senior managers.
Research proves that if you can’t see it, you can’t be it, so we want to showcase what opportunities the Forest of Dean has to offer.
Inspiring the Forest addresses issues and needs raised in the Education & Skills Sub-group discussions, including:
- Raising aspirations amongst the young, parents, and generally across the Forest of Dean.
- Raising awareness of the businesses in the District and of the types of jobs available.
- Increasing awareness of the skills required for jobs locally at all levels, from apprentices to managers.
- Creating close links between schools/colleges/universities and business both organisationally and individually.
- Reducing youth disaffection by applying the 4 business touch principles within mainstream education. (Those who have met businesses 4 times in their school career are 80+% more likely to continue in rewarding training/work)
- Reducing difficulties around arranging work experience and other business-school engagements required by best practice. And going beyond the minimum required.
- Engaging the voice and views of the young people who live in the District.
- Raising awareness of B2B potential & assisting businesses to manage their talent pipeline.
Inspiring the Forest - 30th June 2023
On the 30th June 2023, Gloucestershire College's Forest of Dean Campus in Cinderford hosted the second Inspiring the Forest Event. This time over 700 year 10 students from 5 local schools attended, Dene Magna, Wyedean, Five Acres, Forest High and Newent. The students visited businesses from the Forest of Dean's top sectors, such as:
- Manufacturing and Engineering
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Digital and Cyber
- Health & Well-being
- Communication & Media
- Education and Training
Take a look at this years event guide or click here to read our blog from the day
Click here to view professional photos from Inspiring the Forest.
Inspiring the Forest was covered across local and county news, click here to read Punchline Gloucestershire's write up and here to read what The Forester had to say. We also had coverage throughout BBC Radio Gloucestershire!
We are pressing pause on this style of events for now and looking to host more tailored events specific to sectors. Keep an eye on our social media and bulletins for more, or if you want to get involved join our Education & Skills sub-group.