BES Utilities will give students an insight into the opportunities and careers open to them in the energy industry as part of International Women’s Day.
The Lancashire-based commercial energy supplier is joining more than 50 North West businesses and high schools at a special event held at Blackpool Sixth Form College on March 9.
The International Women’s Day Festival – the first event of its kind on the Fylde coast – is designed to spur young women on to success and show the many opportunities open to them.
Billed as a music festival-style event, but focussing on social enterprise and innovation, it has already gained the support of a number of leading businesses, public sector organisations and inspiring sportswomen.
Staff from BES, which has more than 40,000 non-domestic gas and electricity customers across the UK, will be at the event to explain how young women can forge careers in the competitive energy sector.
Michelle Davidson, co-founder and director of BES, said: “We are delighted to be involved with The International Women’s Day Festival.
“We are one of the largest private sector employers on the Fylde coast and, since BES was formed in 2002, we have created not only jobs but real careers for hundreds of women.
“We are deeply passionate about getting more women into this competitive sector and we cannot wait to join with other local companies to showcase the opportunities open to young people at the festival.”
Among those backing The International Women’s Day Festival are Olympic athlete Kelly Massey and sports scientist and former international pentathlete Dr Nic Robinson as well as local many local businesswomen and companies.
The event is organised by the Washington Group, a non-profit community interest company which helps young people and various organisations through training and support initiatives.
Festival organiser Deborah Terras, director of the Washington Group, said: “Young women, while gaining better GCSEs, are sadly still not reaching the same levels as young men in the work world.
“We’re addressing lack of self-belief and ambition, lack of opportunity and lack of access to positive role models to break down barriers and unify gender equality across our district to help young women make critical connections that will change their lives and empower them to be what they want to be.”
Deborah added: “Local businesses and organisations can play a huge part in helping young women in our community to help them unravel their proficiencies, unlock their potential, unleash their opportunity to succeed, whether through delivering a workshop on the day, being a role model, volunteering on the day or sponsoring a local high school.
“It’s a great opportunity for businesses too. They can develop community engagement, enjoy positive encounters with future employees, clients and referral pathways, while at the same time supporting the opportunities for young people in education, enterprise and employment.”
If you want to know more about the event and want to get involved, please contact Deborah Terras at The Washington Group (North West) CIC by email deborah.terras@twguk.org
