A new work experience pilot, delivered by Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP), The Pledge Partnership, focused on science, technology, engineering, maths (STEM) and digital skills and careers.
The pilot was developed alongside schools, colleges, businesses, training providers and higher education facilitators, with the aim of testing an innovative new approach to traditional work experience formats.
Students from Year 12 had the opportunity to explore a variety of different sectors and learn about the variety of career paths open to them once they have completed their studies.
Several organisations delivered talks, activities, training and site tours, with students finishing the week with a workshop focused on developing their CV and participating in mock interviews with employers. This included local engineering design manufacturing company Driveworks and a cyber security centre in Salford.
UTC Warrington was involved in the pilot scheme; feedback was very positive and students developed essential skills in delivering presentations and pitches to businesses, digital skills awareness, teamwork and leadership, alongside visits to a number of partner organisations.
Plans to build on these pilots will offer more sector specific weeks, with Life Science, Health and Care and Construction programmes being added to these STEM and Digital programmes.
Clare Hayward MBE DL, Chair of the LEPs Employers Skills Board said: “These weeks have been designed to inspire young people about the various career options open to them here in Cheshire and Warrington.
“No matter what route a young person takes after leaving school, it is vital they have developed skills and an understanding of what employers are looking for and this will help prepare them for the work environment and excite them about their future careers.”