Trudy's Whitehaven News column from May 3, 2023:
I’d like to say a huge thank-you to everyone who supported my fourth Skills and Careers Fair, held in Whitehaven Civic Hall last Friday.
We had over 100 people through the doors, representing a good mix of young people exploring their future options, to jobseekers and those looking to retrain or change careers.
We also had 34 exhibitors on hand showcasing the range of careers and opportunities available here in Copeland; from health to tourism, leisure to the environment, emergency services to the arts, and of course, nuclear and the vast supply chain.
I’d also like to extend my thanks to Cumbria Deaf Association and Team Autism, who worked with us in advance and joined us on the day to make the Skills Fair as inclusive as possible.
If any readers were unable to attend the event but would like more information from any of the companies in attendance, please send an email to [email protected] and I will put you in touch with the relevant people. A full list of all the exhibitors is available at www.trudyharrison.co.uk.
On the topic of investing in our future, it’s extremely welcome news that the Government has this week announced an additional £1,859,947 of funding for Copeland’s schools for both the next academic year – and the year thereafter.
Every state school in England is receiving an additional cash boost as part of a £2 billion worth of new Government investment in education. Allocated on a per-pupil basis, a typical primary school will receive approximately £35,000 and a typical secondary school approximately £200,000; the first payments are being made next week and schools are able to determine how this extra money is spent.
This represents the highest real terms spending on schools in history, and the remainder of the £2bn will be used to increase Pupil Premium rates, supporting disadvantaged pupils.
And finally, it will be wonderful this weekend to see communities and families come together with street parties and gatherings to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III. Whatever you are doing to mark this historic occasion, I hope everyone has an enjoyable and memorable weekend.
