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HERTFORDSHIRE EMPLOYERS NEEDED TO SUPPORT INNOVATIVE CAREERS HUB PROJECT

Published on 15 December 2023

The Hertfordshire Careers Hub has been tasked and funded to deliver an innovative programme aimed to test and trial new models of experience of workplace visits for up to 2000 secondary school students in Hertfordshire this academic year.

 

This week an online meeting outlined the project’s scope while sharing some of the fascinating research carried out by Amazing Apprenticeships that highlighted:

  • Both schools and employers are clear on the many benefits that work experience can bring to a young person
  • Both schools and employers could see the benefit of offering shorter placements for students e.g. 1 – 3 days
  • Less advantaged students can struggle to find high quality placements
  • Sourcing high-quality placements for students with additional needs is a challenge that all schools share

Most of us will remember our own ‘work experience’ programme while at school and for some this may have been the ‘eureka’ moment for deciding on a future career path. Equally you might have children who have participated or, as an employer, you may have welcomed local school students to your work place. Providing work experience is not mandatory for schools and there are often many barriers, most particularly financial ones, that prevent every student from gaining a meaningful and impactful experience. Equally employers often find it difficult to accommodate young people – most prominently in a hybrid world where workplaces are not as busy as in previous times.

The aim of this project is to broaden the definition and understanding of a meaningful ‘experience of the workplace’ and in partnership with Services for Young People the Careers Hub is looking for a range of Hertfordshire employers who will be happy to trial different workplace opportunity models.

These could include, but are not limited to:

  • Workplace visits for 10-15 students to meet a few employees and have a short tour.
  • Work shadow 1, 2 or 3-day placement.
  • Extended experience (1 day a week over an extended time).
  • Inspiration/alumni activities.
  • Mock assessment centres-skills/teamwork development.
  • Careers speed dating/networking.
  • Application prep, hints and tips employer from an employers’ perspective, LinkedIn profile work, employability skills.
  • Work based project work e.g. a Marketing Challenge for your organisation
  • Preparation and reflection workshops for students on experience of the workplace.

Andy Baker, Recruitment Manager – Early Careers Programme from MBDA, and also Chair of the Hertfordshire Cornerstone Employers Group said:

At MBDA we really value engagement with young people and schools both as a commitment to our local area but also with a view to future talent pipeline. We were delighted to be part of a very thought provoking research interview and welcome the findings of the report that were presented yesterday. I know from speaking with other employers that the prospect of having a student(s) in for a traditional 5-day work experience placement can be challenging for logistical and capacity issues so being able to think about other ways of providing really meaningful experiences for young people is something I’d encourage other businesses to consider being part of.

Gareth Dace, Strategic Careers Hub Lead, said:

We are delighted to have been approached by Careers and Enterprise Company to deliver this pilot programme in recognition of our school’s high attainment of Gatsby Benchmark 6. This now gives us a fantastic opportunity to work with partners, employers and schools to trial a variety of different delivery models that ultimately will ensure that every young person gains a meaningful and impactful experience of a workplace.

CALL TO ACTION

We are now actively seeking employers from across Hertfordshire to come forward to be part of this project. You will be supported and guided through the process by Services for Young People.

 

  • This is a great opportunity to help students overcome barriers to get an experience of the workplace, reach and support your local community and to develop your future talent pipeline.

 

  • Please watch our video that tells you more about the project and the research findings below or look at our presentation deck on the project background and plans

 

 

Slides:

Expow Herts Careers Hub Dec 23

 

Research report:

Expow Hertfordshire Careers Hub Research Report Dec23 (1)

 

For more information please contact:

 

Link to further useful resources

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