Gary Hutchinson

Project unveiled to introduce students to working life

A pioneering project that sees schools and businesses join forces to give young people a taste of the working world has been unveiled.

Sunderland’s Work Discovery Week, is a five-day project designed to forge links between students and employers.

The event, which will take place between July 1 and 5 this year, is an initiative from Sunderland’s Economic Leadership Board - Business Schools Task Group.

There will be interactive activities for pupils, with business people leading workshops and discussion groups on interview preparation and practice, application processes and procedures, problem-solving and communication.

Work Discovery Week will kick off at the Stadium of Light on July 1 with talks from inspirational speakers, throughout the week there will also be activities such as open days, a city bus tour highlighting Sunderland’s business areas and fashion shows with models showing the right clothes to wear at work and for interviews.

A number of businesses and schools from across Wearside have already committed themselves to the project.

Gary Hutchinson, commercial director of SAFC and co-chair of the task group, said: “Work Discovery Week-Sunderland 2013 will provide a superb opportunity for businesses to showcase their industry sector, the products they make and/or the services they deliver to the young people who could be the employees of the future.

“Individual schools across the city have established relationships with a number of businesses over the years and it is our hope that this event will help those existing relationships to flourish and forge new ones.”

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