The countdown to this year’s Suffolk Skills Show has begun with an official launch attended by partners and sponsors of the event.

The show, now in its third year, is a skills and careers event aimed at linking young people from 14 to 24 years old with local employers and training providers.

It is supported by Suffolk County Council, in partnership with Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, with other partners and sponsors confirmed so far including the University of Suffolk, which hosted the launch event, Sizewell C, BT, the University of East Anglia, Norwich University of the Arts, Archant, MyGo, Suffolk Norse and Town 102.

Gordon Jones, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for children’s services, education and skills, said: “I look forward to seeing the impact this engaging and interactive event has on the young people of Suffolk.

“Every year we hear positive feedback from attendees and schools, who go the extra mile to bring students to the show, about how important it is to enable young people and employers to talk in a welcoming and safe environment. These interactions help young people think about jobs, future opportunities and educational paths in to employment so we know how important this event has become.”

John Dugmore, chief executive at Suffolk Chamber, added: “One of the four pillars of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce’s strategic plan relates to boosting the county’s skills base to ensure that we realise our extraordinary potential and become a world-beating business community across all key market sectors.

“That is why Suffolk Chamber is proud to be a lead partner of the Suffolk Skills Show which, year after year, demonstrates the range of skills solutions and opportunities available to our businesses and their staff.”

This year’s Suffolk Skills Show takes place at Trinity Park, Ipswich, on October 19. For details on exhibiting or sponsoring, email hello@suffolkskillsshow.com or visit www.suffolkskillsshow.com .