A new scheme, which promises to transform how young people are made work-ready, has launched in the North East.
The Supporting Inspiration online brokerage service, spearheaded by the National Careers Service as part of the Government’s Inspiration agenda, will match up employers, willing to inform students about the world of work, with schools and colleges across the region.
A key aim is to help inspire young people’s interest in careers, inform their careers choices and promote development of the softer skills, such as communication, inter-personal and time management skills that are regarded as essential by most employers.
The service will connect with employers, in Durham, Northumberland, Tees Valley, Tyneside and Wearside, who can offer a range of careers education support such as providing work experience placements, mentoring students face-to-face and online and attending careers fairs.
Schools seeking employers’ support will register their preferences online and the new service will connect them with employers who match their requirements.
The relationships forged between schools and businesses also will enable pupils to become aware of career opportunities, to realise the direction they need to take to secure employment in their chosen field and to develop an appreciation of the needs of the workplace.
Carly Hinds, Partnership Manager in the North East, for the National Careers Service, said: “Our vision is to transform the way employers and schools and colleges can engage so that pupils leave education ready for the world of work.
“In addition, the easy-to-use service will help employers nurture future talent, as well as enhancing the professional development of staff who become involved with a local school or college.
“As well as knowing which academic qualifications to pursue, pupils also need to understand the demands of the workplace and appreciate the value of the softer skills that are so important in the workplace. Communicating effectively, interacting with colleagues and clients, team working and using initiative are all skills highly valued by employers.”
Bob Paton, Chief Executive of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “We strongly support the philosophy behind the Supporting Inspiration initiative and would encourage schools, colleges and employers to use this new resource.
“It is vital for the future economic prosperity of the region that students become familiar with the qualities and skills businesses are looking for when recruiting.”
Geoff Ford, Chairman of Ford Aerospace, said: “Young people need to understand the world of work if the North East’s economy is to develop and prosper.
“The Supporting Inspiration service is an efficient, effective and well thought-out way of enabling businesses, young people, schools and colleges to work together to discover how they can contribute to each other’s futures. “
Julie Chalk, Preparation for Adult Life Manager at Hetton School, said: “The service will allow students to make the right career choices and help them learn about the skills, attitudes and aptitudes companies want in a workforce.”
The Supporting Inspiration service will provide schools and colleges with:
- Access to an online brokerage service that provides details of employers willing to support careers education and work-related learning in schools and colleges
- Free labour market information, networking and brokerage events
- Access to weekly national and local labour market information bulletins
- Signposting to existing provision, initiatives and resources to complement careers education and work-related learning.
Employers will be able to:
- Register with an online brokerage service containing details of schools and colleges that are interested in working with employers
- Tap into resources and guides on how best to work with schools and colleges.
For more information head teachers and employers should log onto www.supportinginspiration.org.uk/NE or email supportinginspiration@cfbt.com