Yesterday kicked off with a lively event, as we welcomed skills providers and businesses from across the region for our “Conversation on Skills – North West” event. Co-organising the morning with Ceri Lewis-Pierce from Business Wales, alongside Sian Lloyd Roberts and Catherine Morris-Roberts from the Regional Skills Partnership, reminded me why collaboration is so important. We get more done, faster, and let’s be honest – it’s also much more fun. There is nothing quite like getting everyone in one room and remembering the shared goal we all have: ensuring our workforce continues to thrive.
We had over 20 local providers on hand to help SMEs (and each other) understand the support available to them. As David Roberts, Chair of the RSP, highlighted in the discussion, we have a huge amount of training and upskilling provision in North Wales, our challenge is “simply” making sure businesses know where to find it. Yesterday’s event was one step towards that, saving businesses time and giving them clear routes to personalised skills support.
I was also incredibly proud to watch Owain Stringer present. Owain was part of our M-SParc Skills Academy almost three years ago, and seeing him now forging a brilliant career as a software engineering degree apprentice with CapVentis – one of our own tenant companies – felt like a full-circle moment. Especially as our latest Skills Academy cohort, some of who were in the audience for the event) have their own presentation training session this Friday! (Don’t worry gang, like Owain said, it helped him gain the confidence to present at events like ours!)
Huge thanks to all our speakers, including Robbie Carney from Bartons Group, Lauren Bate from Bangor University, and everyone who contributed to such an energising morning. Diolch bawb!
At the same time as the event was taking place, I knew that our Sgil Sparc team were out delivering our Big Science Show to a local primary school, for years 1-6 to be entertained as they learned about ‘Waves’! It’s great to know that we are part of the whole pipeline of Skills, from those just starting their education journey, to Continued Professional Development.
After a quick breather (and hyped up on sugar donuts thanks to a lovely tenant’s Christmas gift), we switched gears and welcomed young people and their families into the building for our GOFOD Skills & Careers Fair; again, part of our Sgil Sparc outreach work. This being our first event of its kind, I will admit I was apprehensive. Would people turn up? Would the companies enjoy it? What if it all went wrong? I had no need to worry! Over 100 people came through the doors. The atmosphere from 4–6pm was incredible: curious learners exploring the space, parents asking great questions, and employers bringing their worlds to life with demos, devices, and hands-on conversations.
We know that thinking about careers can feel overwhelming, so creating a relaxed, supportive, drop-in environment was important. All stallholders were asked to bring ‘things’ with them, stuff and activities that young people could engage with and ask about. Out staff were on hand to guide anyone who needed help approaching employers, and our quiet corner was well used throughout the event. This is exactly what GOFOD is all about; meeting young people where they are, and giving them confidence to explore their future.
Our flash talks were a real highlight, with Paul Kinlan of Google, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Hannah Garratt from Airbus, and meteorologist Sabrina Lee sharing honest stories about their journeys. We were also joined by fantastic exhibitors including Tenet Consultants, Aerialworx, Dewis Architecture, ARIA Studios, Supertemps, Bangor University’s North Wales Medical School, and many more. Diolch to all of you for giving your time and expertise.
Lead, Google Chrome Developer Relations
Studio Executive, Aria Film Studios
Project Design Engineer, Hydrowing
Seeing so many young people connect, ask questions, and genuinely enjoy exploring their options was the perfect way to end the day. The future of the region is bright, and days like yesterday prove it. It’s a real privilege to be a part of it.
tom@m-sparc.com
Tom used to work at the KFC in his hometown of Colwyn Bay before it mysteriously burned down. He then spent several years “on the lam” in East Germany, where he worked as an animator in Berlin. When the wall fell, Tom came home.
He enjoys climbing and hates ice-skating.
