Braintree District Council is proud to announce the upcoming Digital Skills Showcase - a flagship event designed to inspire and equip young people across the district with the skills they need.
The event will take place in Braintree on 16 December 2025 and is being delivered in partnership with The Consortium (East) Ltd.
Building on the success of previous showcases, this dynamic event will give students in Years 10 to 13 hands on experiences with cutting edge technologies, boosting confidence, employability and opening clear pathways into further education, apprenticeships and digital careers.
National brands including Amazon, BBC, Barclays Bank and Wagamama, alongside local employers, will demonstrate the exciting digital opportunities available both within the Braintree district and beyond.
Students will be able to enjoy 140 minutes of active engagement, including:
- Virtual work experience with Amazon and Wagamama
- Tips on avoiding digital scams with Barclays Bank
- Confidence building insights from BBC’s The Apprentice finalist Chisola Chitambala
- Live AI demonstrations
- Featured opportunities at BBC Essex
- Printed guides for future use
The event will combine in-person participation for more than 400 students with live streaming to schools across the district, ensuring maximum reach and impact.
The Digital Skills Showcase project has received £19,000 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and aligns with Braintree District Council’s Economic Growth Strategy to position our district as a great place to live, learn and work.
Cllr Frankie Ricci, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at Braintree District Council, said: "We’re committed to giving our young people the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. The Digital Skills Showcase is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain practical experience, learn from industry leaders, and discover the exciting career paths available in the digital sector. By investing in their future, we’re investing in the future of our district."
Graham Broughton, Director of The Consortium (East) Ltd, said: “We’re thrilled to partner once again with Braintree District Council to inspire young people across the district to embrace digital skills with confidence and creativity. By giving students the chance to be more confident, explore new technologies and learn from industry professionals, the Digital Skills Showcase will help spark curiosity and ambition for the future”.