Varied and frequent experience of work

Summary

The Learning City Partnership Board, supported by the Mayor’s City Office, is leading the delivery of more varied and frequent experience of work for all young people in the city. The newly created WORKS is the development of a physical and virtual ‘Engagement Hub’ to bring businesses, education providers and young people together. The aim is to provide career related activities and work placements that will raise aspirations and secure successful career pathways for all, with an accompanying e-portfolio to record young peoples’ experience.
Many young people do not have the personal networks to gain varied and regular experience of the world of work, particularly those who are more vulnerable, such as in the care system, and those living in more deprived parts of the city. This lack of experience has a direct impact on young peoples’ employability and in turn the development of the local workforce.
A focus on experience of work will galvanize the collective endeavour, building on best practice, of the city’s education providers and local employers. Successful local programmes, such as HYPE West, will help to ensure those young people furthest from the labour market are supported into employment.