Empowering future talent at ‘Inspiring the Black Country’ 2025 careers event

Last month, our people proudly participated in the ‘Inspiring the Black Country’ careers event held in Wolverhampton, England, engaging with over 800 young people in a vibrant day of discovery, aspiration, and opportunity.

Hosted in partnership with Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Solihull, and Coventry local councils – the event provided a unique platform for students in secondary schools, Year 6 pupils, home-educated young people, and SEND learners to explore future pathways in education and employment.

First year apprentices Ben Cartwright, Pipefitter, and Qasim Hurd, Project Controller, supported the day by delivering a hands-on, interactive experience with a virtual welding and a pipefitting exercise, helping students better understand the variety of roles within our industry.

Our activity focused on:

• Introducing a range of exciting career options within our business
• Demonstrating the key skills we value in future employees
• Sharing practical advice on how to join our sector
• Offering real-life insights into the world of work

Matthew Smallwood, Training Manager, commented on the event: “We were thrilled to be part of an event that connects local employers with the next generation. It’s vital we invest in young people and help them see the diverse career paths available in Altrad and our industry.”

The event was structured with timed visits throughout the day, ensuring all students had meaningful engagement opportunities. The positive energy was palpable, with students actively participating in employer-led activities, asking insightful questions, and exploring their future possibilities.

Well done to everyone involved, and thank you for your commitment to talent development and community investment!