Councils helps bring careers to life thanks to college link up

13/05/26

Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils have linked up with Eastern Education Group to create a series of immersive experiences for young people to help inspire their future careers.

The councils used £100,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Funding to help the group purchase a simulator van, offering young people in the area the chance to get hands-on experiences of a variety of different job roles in construction.

Since buying the van six months ago, West Suffolk College (which is part of Eastern Education Group) has kitted it out with top of the range equipment and it is now ready to tour local schools.

Students who get to use the van will be able to obtain advice on the construction industry, virtually drive an excavator, bulldozer or tipper truck, and also find out about the journey of an atom via a VR headset.

Not only is the idea to inspire youngsters, it is also hoped that it will help them more aware of major infrastructure projects in the area like Sizewell C.

Cllr Teresa Davis, Mid Suffolk District Council’s cabinet member for thriving communities, said: “This project uses cutting-edge technology to open doors to future careers, offering a unique and exciting learning experience never before seen in our area.

“Working closely with West Suffolk College, we are committed to supporting aspiration and growth across Mid Suffolk and I would strongly encourage our residents to take a look and see all that is on offer as the SimVan travels across our communities.”

Cllr Derek Davis, Babergh District Council’s cabinet member for sustainable economy, said: “We’re pleased to be supporting our long-standing partners West Suffolk College with the SimVan project, helping to bring flexible training and career experiences to communities across our district and beyond.

“We know that it can be difficult to access opportunities when living in a rural area, so the SimVan will make a real difference to those eager to learn but have difficulty with their location or travel.”

Ness Bally, funding and partnership manager for Eastern Education Group, said: “We have created a simulator van that has been funded by Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils and we are very grateful to them for their support.

“The van offers immersive experiences and allowed us to bring training to schools to inspire young people. We kitted out the van from scratch.

“The aim of all of this is to provide new opportunities and inspire the next generation so that they are aware of different career options for them in the future.”

Now that the van is on the road, it went on its first visit to an educational establishment when it travelled to Stowupland High School.

Mason, 13, is a student at Stowupland High School. He said: “I think it’s good as it will help people understand careers better.”

Athena, 13, is also from Stowupland High School. She said: “It’s trying to give young people a glimpse into different careers and help them think about what they want to do in the future.”

Amanda Walden, assistant head teacher for personal development, said: “We were offered this great opportunity and it’s amazing to be the first school to have a go. It’s a fantastic opportunity and we would like it to come back. We can talk about it in lessons – built to actually have a hands-on experience will inspire our learners. I’d call the whole experience (of the sim van) joyful and inspiring.”

Phil Stittle, executive director for business and growth at Eastern Education Group, said: “This will help create a pipeline of talent for many huge infrastructure projects across the UK. It’s a fantastic digital showcase of careers.”