East Suffolk Council

Launched at today’s Norfolk and Suffolk Coast Forum Conference, a new virtual careers fair is now open especially for young people who are interested in careers in coastal management. 

Produced by the Lowestoft Flood Risk Management Project, the careers fair offers young people an unrivalled opportunity to explore routes into civil engineering, from higher education to apprenticeships, and find out about opportunities local to the region. 

Using gaming technology, visitors can independently navigate the fair, with stands from leading employers and organisations including the Environment Agency, Institute of Civil Engineering and East Suffolk Council. 

Cllr David Ritchie, East Suffolk Council’s cabinet member for Planning and Coastal Management said: “I am thrilled the Lowestoft Flood Risk Management Project has been able to facilitate the creation of this virtual careers fair; a fantastic resource for young adults in our region. The fair showcases the remarkable array of opportunities on offer in Suffolk and Norfolk for those interested in careers in civil engineering and coastal management.” 

Cllr Angie Fitch-Tillet, North Norfolk Council’s cabinet member for Coastal Management said: “I am really excited to be able to introduce the possibility of a career in Coastal Management and/or engineering to the young people of Norfolk and Suffolk. You are our future and, together with the sponsorship of Balfour Beatty, we at Coastal Partnership East hope you will seriously think of joining us in the future.” 

The virtual careers fair has been made possible thanks to generous support from sponsors, including Aecom. 

Andy Thomas, Head of Visualisation & VR, Europe at Aecom said: “We’re thrilled to be sponsoring the Norfolk and Suffolk Coast Forum Conference this year, and excited to be providing our virtual platform for the virtual careers fair. It’s been a pleasure working with the team at East Suffolk Council designing the virtual space, and we’re looking forward to seeing many young people engaging and inspired by the excellent civil engineering and coastal management content on display, from many leading employers in the region. We hope you enjoy your virtual visit.” 

Main conference sponsor Balfour Beatty are also an exhibitor, with many opportunities on offer as they are delivering the Lowestoft Flood Risk Management Project under the SCAPE civil engineering framework. 

Once complete, the Lowestoft Flood Risk Management Project will protect over 1,500 homes and businesses from the risk of flooding.  

Visit the virtual careers fair.

Taking place on Thursday 7 October, the fully virtual Norfolk and Suffolk Coast Forum Conference titled ‘Climate Resilient Coasts and Estuaries: Working with people, nature and science’, features both live and pre-recorded sessions, with attendees able to design their own conference using an accessible online platform. The online platform allows for the conference to be accessed on demand, with delegates able to pick and choose their session and not miss out on anything.