Recently, a truly inspiring event took place in North Lincolnshire, as local young people in foster care stepped into the spotlight at the “Meet the Futures event”, held in partnership with North Lincolnshire Council’s fostering team and fostering friendly member, The Business Hive – E Factor’s Club.
Unlike traditional job fairs, where employers pitch to prospective employees, this unique event flipped the script. Over a series of sessions, the young people explored their passions, honed their aspirations, and identified potential career paths. The culmination of their hard work came when they presented their goals and ambitions directly to local businesses, who in turn responded with offers of mentoring, guidance, and work experience.
Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children and families, said: “This has been an outstanding example of how we can empower our young people by believing in them and giving them the tools to succeed. Their ambition and talent is plain to see, and the commitment shown by local businesses is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together.”
The fostering team extends a heartfelt thank you to The Business Hive – E-Factor Group, all the participating businesses, and most importantly, the young people who made the event a true celebration of ambition and potential.
After meeting marketing entrepreneurs, aspiring chefs, future police officers and social workers showcasing their skills supported by tailored presentations and artwork, businesses attending were inspired, with many expressing a strong desire to support and nurture this emerging talent through mock interviews and work experience days.
Mark Webb, Managing Director of e-Factor and The Business Hive, said: “When we first approached the Fostering Team about our Meet The Future initiative, we couldn’t have asked for a more enthusiastic response, and over the ten weeks that followed, the team, The Business Hive, and Ben Wright from Floral Design saw why.
“The young people we met were engaging, ambitious and ready to demonstrate the value they could bring to any employer willing to listen. They were willing to take the challenges they had already faced in their lives and use that to energise their determination to show the world what they had to offer.
“The feedback from business owners and leaders was unanimously positive. If this is an example of the young talent in this area, then we have a bright future ahead of us.”
Two young people expressed how the event helped them: “The coaches taught me that I need to have a background story rather than all the knowledge and no meaning behind it… Thank you, to the staff, mentors and all the businesses who came to view my stand.”
“Thanks to them all, I now have the confidence I need to grow and develop in my professional life. So, thank you.”
This initiative reflects the council’s ongoing commitment to improving outcomes for young people, by building strong bridges between education, aspiration, and employment.
To find out more about the fostering friendly scheme in North Lincolnshire and becoming fostering friendly, visit the website, email fostering@northlincs.gov.uk or call 01724 297024.
