The Basildon Skills Show is a local careers fair open to people at all stages of their career, such as secondary school pupils, university graduates, and general career seekers with either minimal or extensive experience.
The purpose of the Skills Show is to encourage people to explore industries they may not have considered before. The hall was filled with over 70 exhibitors, each sharing insights into career and education pathways in the sector.
Our team was there throughout the day, with our communications cabinet set up at the front of our stand. The technology configuration drew in many passers-by, sparking interest in the technology behind everyday connectivity.
We had a variety of conversations with individuals who were set on pursuing a career in tech, as well as some who had never considered it. Our goal was to inspire at least one person to see that a job in the IT or Telecoms industry could be for them.
Who Are Immervox?
Immervox is the go-to technology partner for hundreds of businesses across Essex and the wider UK, providing IT & Telecoms services. We support organisations of all sizes in meeting their technology goals and operational standards.
Since 1999, we have provided seamless connectivity to organisations across the country, including telephone lines, broadband and mobile services. In 2024, we merged with IT Network UK, enabling us to expand our offerings to include IT support and extensive cyber security services.
We take pride in helping people take their first steps on the career ladder. That is why we hire people from all backgrounds, from 30+ years of experience to none at all. We believe everyone should be given a chance, regardless of their experience.
What We Showcased at Our Stand
At our stand, we aimed to show that technology can be both accessible and engaging.
We brought a small communications cabinet as the main feature of our stand. It contained a straightforward setup, including:
UDM Pro: This is the brain of your network. It manages network traffic, routes data to the correct destination and includes firewall features to help protect your network from unauthorised access.
Network Switch: This connects devices across your network. It links the UDM Pro to the patch panel and forwards data to the correct connected device through the appropriate network port.
Patch Panel: This provides an organised connection point for the network cabling throughout the building. Each port corresponds to a cable that runs to an ethernet socket elsewhere in the building. Patch leads connect the patch panel to the network switch, allowing the sockets to connect to the network. The cabling is routed through trunking to keep it tidy and protected.
We also included equipment such as our Unifi access point and door entry system to demonstrate the types of devices this setup can power.
Our monitor displayed a carousel of images and descriptions explaining what each component of the network setup can do, as well as providing insight into the other services Immervox can offer.
A tub of sweets was also essential, not only for visitors but for our team too.
The Immervox Team
The team members representing Immervox were Thomas, Jess and Ryan.
Thomas is our provisioning expert and Junior Project Manager. He handles incoming orders, oversees installations, and communicates with suppliers and customers. Thomas started as a customer service apprentice in 2022, demonstrating that internal progression and learning are possible routes within the industry.
Jess started as a Multi-channel Marketer apprentice and has recently completed her course, becoming a Marketing Associate at Immervox. Although her apprenticeship has now finished, she continues to pursue further training in her role to expand her knowledge.
Ryan recently joined Immervox as a Junior IT & Telecoms engineer and will soon enrol in an apprenticeship to support his on-the-job training.
The Immervox team is a strong example of how career progression and training can open doors. We believe that professional development is essential at every stage of your career.
Technology Careers and Opportunities We Discussed
While we were there, we spoke to several people about the types of roles available in the technology industry.
A common concern we heard was, ‘I don’t want to sit at a screen all day.’ This reflects a common misconception about working in technology. We explained that our IT engineers not only resolve issues remotely, but also visit sites to complete installations and carry out resolutions.
Many people were interested to learn that, alongside engineers, we have architects who build solutions, configure devices and carry out site audits. This creates a healthy balance between screen time and hands-on activity.
It is often overlooked that the technology industry offers careers that do not require technical expertise. Businesses cannot function with engineers alone; successful teams rely on a range of roles. These include sales teams that drive new business, account managers who coordinate between customers and internal teams, and colleagues working in areas such as marketing and billing.
What we learned from exhibiting
By the end of the day, we had discussed a wide range of career options with visitors. Their interest showed us that people are curious about the opportunities available in technology, even when they have not previously considered a role in the industry.
Meeting people face to face also made it easier to explain what working in technology can look like. Conversations about site visits, installations, solution design and the wider roles that support a technology business helped people understand that the industry is easily approachable and understandable.
Most importantly, the day reinforced that technology careers are not limited to technical roles. There are opportunities across engineering, architecture, sales, account management, marketing and billing, with training and progression available at different stages. Whether someone is starting out or looking to develop existing experience, there can be a route into the industry.
We hope the Skills Show encouraged visitors to explore those possibilities and consider how their own interests and strengths could fit into a career in technology.
Find Out More About Careers in Tech
If you are considering a career in technology, we encourage you to explore the range of careers, training routes and apprenticeships available. A role in the industry may be more varied and accessible than you expect, with opportunities to learn, build experience and progress over time.
