Leeds students given crash course in world of work
School children across Leeds are swapping a day in the classroom for a day in the office.
A new programme has been launched to encourage local employers and schools to work together, to give students the right skills for them to go straight into the world of work.
Companies will offer hands-on experience and workshops so children get an idea of what a 9 to 5 is really like - with the aim of building a skilled local workforce for the future.
The Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is part of a national roll-out of the programme, led by the government's Careers and Enterprise Company.
Roger Marsh OBE, Chair of the LEP, said: “In our most recent business survey, 74% of businesses reported the need to improve skills in their workforce and other research shows that only 15% of employers offer any kind of work inspiration activity.
“This Enterprise Adviser programme aims to address some of those skills challenges and I am pleased so many of our school and business leaders have joined us at this event, to make sure young people are not only informed and enthused about meaningful career opportunities but also encouraged and empowered to shape their own future.”
Sarah Trout is a teacher at one of the local schools taking part, and says it's a good way to highlight alternative career paths: "It shows the students the different pathways you can take.
"It isn't all about just going to college then to university and getting your degree then getting a job. You can also go through the apprenticeship pathways, and even start off as a junior and work your way up through the company."