The first Romney Marsh Inspires has been hailed a big success after hundreds of people took part in the skills festival.
The event, which was organised by Folkestone & Hythe District Council, Romney Marsh Partnership (RMP) and The Education People, was held at The Marsh Academy on Wednesday 20 July. Students from Years 8, 10 and 12 attended during the school day and it was then opened up to the wider Marsh community.
All visitors learnt about local opportunities and support services and skills, and the day included workshops run by Kent Choices, LifeSkills, Digital Kent and Social Enterprise Kent.
RMP chair Cllr Patricia Rolfe, who formally opened the event, said: "A key objective of the RMP is to enhance the skills' agenda and so highlight career opportunities open to everyone who lives, works or studies on the Marsh.
"This inaugural event enabled Marsh Academy students and the wider community to speak to a range of businesses and skills-linked organisations and to see at first hand the options that are available to them. It was about raising aspirations.
"We hope it is the first of many such events. As well as being informative, it was a lot of fun and thanks to all those who made it such a big success. This includes the RMP's Senior Specialist Officer, Linda Marsh, The Marsh Academy and The Education People, KCC, Romney Resource Centre, as well as local F&HDC Cllrs Hills, Meyers, Mullard and Wimble, who all contributed money from the ward grant scheme."
Cllr David Wimble, Cabinet Member for the Economy, said: "The Romney Marsh is of great importance to our district and I am pleased that people from the area were able to get support and advice on how to achieve their ambitions at what was a very inspiring day!"
Victoria Lawrence, of The Education People, said: "We are really pleased that the Romney Marsh Inspires event was a great success.
"The students and attendees from the community left the event very positive. Thank you to all the organisations involved, a great showcase of the amazing opportunities and support on offer."
Cllr Rolfe is pictured (right) with Linda Marsh.
Date published: 26 July 2022