One major topic continued to dominate conversations in our regular dialogue with businesses throughout Q1 – skills.
I took my first steps in the world of work as an apprentice at the Southern Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, so fully appreciate the role that education and training in young people can play in mapping out their careers and equipping them with the skills they need for the future.
You may have read in Daily Focus this week that we have called on Staffordshire businesses to join a scheme that offers teenage pupils the chance to experience the world of work.
We have two schools in Staffordshire who are appealing to firms to fill placements for their 13 and 13-year-old pupils:
- Thistley Hough are looking to place pupils for week commencing 3 June
- Ormiston Horizon are looking to place pupils for week commencing 1 July
This is with a long term view of providing placement for pupils to enjoy some invaluable work experience while bridging the gap between schools and employers in the interests of a thriving Staffordshire economy.
What does it mean for you as a business? You could be supporting an enthusiastic young person to perform a job, or multiple jobs, in-house for a week.
We’re calling on all sectors and roles to help give students a thorough understanding of what is available in the world of work.
Your support could encourage a young person to explore different avenues, light a spark or contribute to society – and you never know, you could even find a future employee!
Employers wishing to offer placements should contact Georgia Parkins at georgia.parkins@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
