The Somerset Sustainable Futures Initiative was launched on Tuesday, 26th November, at Taunton Rugby Football Club with students from primary and secondary schools across Somerset gathering to learn about green skills and future career opportunities.
They had the chance to meet local organisations and employers leading in sustainability practices and participated in a youth voice summit to share their views on the future and what they want prioritised in their curriculums.
The initiative is a collaboration between Somerset Council, Dorste and Somerset Training Provider Network, Somerset Careers Hub, Somerset Education Business Partnership, and local businesses. It aims to build the skills needed for a sustainable future workforce, inspire the children and young people of Somerset, and develop relevant and meaningful learning experiences and future-proofed resources in partnership with businesses, stakeholders, and children.
The launch event featured a diverse collection of Somerset employers, charities, and organisations, all coming together to inspire students about careers and how they can contribute to a more sustainable future through an immersive and interactive green careers exhibition.
Following the exhibition, Castle School student James Lawson, a youth parliament representative and climate action activist, delivered a powerful keynote speech. This was followed by an impressive youth voice session with both primary and secondary school students.
The highlights of the day were the keen engagement of the young people with exhibitors and the youth voice event, where they posed thought-provoking questions and comments. These insights will drive the next steps of the initiative in Somerset.
Students were also invited to use their creative talents and passion for creating a more sustainable future by designing a logo for the Somerset Sustainable Futures initiative. The winner of the logo competition will receive a prize for themselves and their school, and their logo will be launched on the new Somerset Sustainable Futures website in the new year.
More information can be found at: Somerset Education Business Partnership (EBP)
