ASPIRING apprentices attending SkillsFest 2018 this Saturday will be able to get top tips from a major defence company about how to tackle aptitude tests.

BAE Systems is one of 50-plus companies and organisations running interactive events at SkillsFest 2018, which is taking place at The Forum from 10am to 3pm.

The shipyard will host aptitude test workshops which will give key guidance to anyone applying for an apprenticeships at BAE Systems, or other companies. These sessions take place at 10.30am and 1pm in The Studio. These sessions will give attendees the chance to explore how questions should be approached before taking part in an interactive test on their mobile phones. Those attending are asked to use the Kahoot! app to take part. Both sessions will have different questions, so those attending both can try to improve.

SkillsFest is a free event which will demonstrate the skills employers are looking for through hands on activities and workshops.

Students of all ages, parents and the public are being encouraged to attend to discover the careers available on their doorstep.

The event is organised by Furness Education and Skills Partnership, Inspira, Inspiring Barrow and Hello Future.

There are that many events taking place at SkillsFest 2018 that both floors at The Forum are being used.

The top prizes of a Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fires, and Bluetooth speakers are on offer at the event. Year Nine, 10 and 11 secondary school students have been receiving free scratch cards which they can use at the event for a prize draw. Other young people and the public can also enter the prize draw at SkillsFest.

Furness Academy will be attending Furness SkillsFest with their STEM stand, demonstrating the projects and events students have taken part in to develop their skills in science, engineering, technology and maths.

The secondary school also has a group of students from Year Eight and Year Nine who will be 'Skills Experts' at the event. These students will be using the communication, organisation and confidence they have been developing during their time on Inspiring Barrow's Kick Start Programme. At SkillsFest they will be guiding visitors around exhibits, speaking with John Woodcock MP for Barrow and Furness, and promoting the workshops and speaker events.

The Skills Experts can be identified by their Skills Expert t.shirts. Children talking part in the free taster sessions on the day will also get the chance to win one a Skills Expert t.shirts when they show off their skills in rugby, football and team building activities.

Amy Lamph, joint coordinator of FESP and a design and technology teacher at Ulverston Victoria High School, said: "Skillsfest is going to be a really exciting event. There will be something for everyone, with more than 50 exhibitors attending. It is great opportunity for students and parents to find out more about careers and businesses."

Miss Lamph said there will be primary and secondary pupils, and further and higher education students, all attending.

Inspiring Barrow and Hello Futures are sponsoring the free bus transport service to and from the event. Buses will run throughout the day from the Coronation Hall, in Ulverston, Dowdales School, in Dalton, Furness Academy, in Barrow, Walney School and Millom School.