Teachers and businesses spanning Cheshire's "world-class" STEM sectors recently joined forces to turbo-charge future growth for young people.

Gathering at Chester Zoo yesterday (30 June), representatives from across the region helped shape a blueprint to ensure students have the skills and work experience needed in the industry.

Teachers, alongside representatives from more than 30 of the region's trailblazing businesses, gathered to help integrate industry-relevant skills and experiences into curriculum planning.

Many of the business delegates were linked to the Cheshire Science Corridor: home to more than 7,000 businesses and the largest concentration of private sector science and technology assets in the North of England.

Staff discussed work placement opportunities and skills needed for future work forces with business representatives, ranging from Encirc and United Utilities to Barclays and Balfour Beatty.

Using a combination of talks and workshops, the event was organised by Cheshire and Warrington Careers Hub in partnership with Chester Zoo, STEM Learning UK, Pledge Partnership and local industry leaders.

Leaders also discussed the department of education's ambition for pupils to experience "meaningful" and "employer-led" work experience.

Speakers included Dr Sue Walker, head of science at Chester Zoo, who highlighted the zoo's Conservation Training Academy, which helps train the next generation of conservation scientists.

Cllr Karen Shore, deputy leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: "An event like this brings our trailblazing employers and amazing education professionals together help future-proof the workforces of tomorrow.

"It supports the collective visions of leaders across Cheshire and Warrington to make the region the most healthiest, sustainable, inclusive and fastest-growing place in the country by 2045.

"We must ensure young people of all backgrounds access education, training and job opportunities."

The Cheshire and Warrington Careers Hub works directly with schools, colleges, apprenticeships providers and employers to ensure young people from all backgrounds benefit from quality careers education and work experience so that they are ready for the world of work.

The event was delivered as part of The Pledge Partnership which connects all 86 schools and colleges in the region with more than 500 of the region's businesses.