Taking place in the first week of March, National Careers Week (NCW) is an annual initiative dedicated to providing careers guidance and educational resources for young people across the UK.
It brings together different organisations, including schools, colleges, universities and employers, to help students explore future pathways and understand the breadth of opportunities available to them.
As an employer-led education provider delivering high-quality technical training across Greater Lincolnshire, we’re supporting career development this NCW and beyond, helping to turn ambition into tangible opportunities.
Developing skills for STEM careers
While careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) are in high demand, with around 9.4 million people employed in the sector across the UK, developing the right technical skills is key to securing these opportunities.
Across Lincolnshire, our education providers and employment partners ensure that students receive the relevant expertise to meet industry demands with confidence, ranging from manufacturing and engineering to agritech. At Lincoln College, students can access Level 3 to Level 6 pathways in courses such as Electrical Engineering and Manufacturing, while University Centre Grimsby offers higher technical qualifications, including HNCs in Mechanical and Marine Engineering.
Following his apprenticeship at Grimsby Institute, David Davidson said: “I have hit the ground running with my future career path. I could not be more grateful for the opportunities I have been given. I will continue to recommend the Grimsby Institute MET program to anyone who wants to join the expanding industry.”
During and after NCW, we support students to pursue STEM careers with the qualifications and practical experience they need to succeed.
Delivering real industry experience
NCW not only showcases which careers are available, but how they work in practice. By highlighting real industries, employers and working environments, the initiative helps young people to plan for future employment.
Technical knowledge is only one part of the journey towards a career in STEM. Gaining real industry experience, from using professional equipment to applying skills in practical environments, builds confidence and employability.
As one of 21 Institutes of Technology backed by £290 million of government investment nationally, we equip students with cutting-edge facilities designed to reflect pioneering workspaces. From advanced engineering workshops and digital laboratories to specialist food manufacturing environments, learners can gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment.
For example, at the University of Lincoln, the National Centre for Food Manufacturing supports learners in the food sector with access to research, apprenticeships and commercial partners at its £10 million campus. And at Lincoln UTC, students can access specialist engineering facilities with CNC machining, plasma and laser cutting technology, and automation systems.
Supporting students into employment
NCW highlights the value of preparing a career plan. By developing employability skills, students are better equipped to move from education into the workplace - and we help them do just that.
We work with over 200 employers across Greater Lincolnshire, with many choosing to use our facilities to train staff through short courses and qualifications. This close employer relationship ensures that teaching standards remain aligned with current industry standards.
Our education partners also offer tailored career guidance to students throughout their education journey, helping them to work out what they are most interested in, helping them to find their passion and start to develop the specialist skills that employers are looking for.
By combining technical education with employer involvement and sound career advice, we help students to progress into the workforce - connecting ambition with opportunity.
If you would like to take the first step in your career journey, we’d love to help. To find out more about the courses on offer, visit the websites of our education partners below.
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