Amazing Accrington futures event a major success at Accrington Stanley’s Wham stadium

Over 1,000 Year 11 students from Hyndburn schools attended the Amazing Accrington Futures event at the Wham Stadium on Thursday 5th October.

The event, sponsored by North Lancs Training Group (NLTG), Studio Frasers Group Financial Services, Accrington & Rossendale College and Accrington Stanley Football Club, welcomed exhibitors from local businesses, higher education establishments, training providers, Armed Forces, emergency services, tech sectors and many more.

Employers such as the Police and the Army joined local companies such as Sundown Solutions, Whatmore UK, William Blythe and BAE Systems in showcasing their many and varied career paths.

Hosted by Amazing Accrington, the event saw Year 11 students attending from St Christophers C of E High School, Mount Carmel RC High School, Oswaldtwistle School, Hyndburn Academy, Rhyddings School and The Hollins Technology College. Transport to Accrington Stanley’s Wham Stadium was provided by Cranberry Coaches and the Town & District Transport Trust.

Being held at Accrington Stanley’s world class 1968 Lounge hospitality venue for the first time, students got to learn about the vast range of opportunities and careers available to them across the borough once they leave school, as well as getting the chance to play games, collect goodies and take part in activities.

David Burgess, Managing Director at Accrington Stanley, said: “We have been extremely proud to have hosted the annual #AmazingAccrington Futures Event, here at the Wham Stadium. Every Year 11 student in the borough has been invited to come and meet employers, training providers and further education institutions, and what an amazing day it has been… plus we have given them all a free ticket to come to Saturday’s match.”

Sara Britcliffe, MP for Hyndburn and Haslingden, said: “What an amazing day it has been, with so many students coming through the doors to learn about the amazing opportunities available to them in the local area. These young people are the future of our borough and they have all gone away happy and with lots of information to help them on their career paths!”

Cllr Terry Hurn, Mayor of Hyndburn, added: “I am extremely proud to have opened this event. We are very lucky to have so many successful businesses in Hyndburn and it has been wonderful to bring both our Year 11 students and our businesses together, where hopefully they have been inspired for their future careers.”

Alisha Clarkson, Marketing Executive at North Lancs Training Group (NLTG): “At NLTG we have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at the Futures Event today. We have received so much interest in our 200+ live Apprenticeship vacancies, and with the chance to earn while they learn in such a diverse range of industries, we are looking forward to seeing more of these students in the future.”

Melanie Wright, Schools Liaison Team Lead at Accrington & Rossendale College, said: “We are delighted to be playing our part in the Futures Event once again this year! We are the only Outstanding Further Education college in Lancashire and this is a brilliant way to showcase what we do and what we can offer.”

Kate Morgan, Head of Talent (North West) at Studio/Frasers Group Financial Services, added: “Studio/Frasers Group Financial Services is the largest employer in Hyndburn, and the Futures Event is a key event in the calendar for us as a business to inform young people about the incredible range of careers we have on offer!”

Murray Dawson, Chair of #AmazingAccrington, said: “As #AmazingAccrington business leaders we do this event because we care about the next generation!”

For more coverage from the 2023 #AmazingAccrington Futures Event, please visit: opportunities.amazingaccrington.co.uk