Sunderland's Work Discovery Week backed by Government agency

The Work Discovery Week project to introduce young people to working life has won sponsorship from the National Apprenticeship Service.

The National Apprenticeship Service, which supports, funds and co-ordinates the delivery of apprenticeships throughout England, has signed up to sponsor Work Discovery Week - Sunderland 2013.

The pioneering five-day project has been designed by Sunderland’s Economic Masterplan – Business:Schools Task Group as a way of forging stronger links between companies across the region and school pupils on Wearside.

The programme will officially launch at the Stadium of Light on Monday July 1, with a careers fair, workshops, mock interviews and a range of practical demonstrations, all facilitated by businesses.

The National Apprenticeship Service, which also focuses on increasing the number of apprentices in England, is joining fellow headline sponsors Sunderland College, Arriva North East, Sunderland University, Nissan, Grundfos and Gentoo.

Alan Wallace – Head of Employer Accounts in the North East for the National Apprenticeship Service said:“Apprenticeships are a great way for young people and adult learners to earn while they learn in a real job, gaining a real qualification; and setting them on the road to success.

“For employers, hiring apprentices is a way of attracting new talent and developing a motivated, skilled and diverse workforce.”

As part of the week the National Apprenticeship Service is also holding an Employer Engagement Breakfast Briefing on July 4, which will help businesses to understand the benefits of employing a young person as an apprentice and will explain the support available across the city.

The five day event will also feature open days at various organisations, a city bus tour highlighting Sunderland’s business areas and a fashion show showing the right clothes to wear at work and for interviews.

The week will conclude at the Stadium of Light on Friday July 5 with presentations by the participating schools, in response to a problem solving challenge.

Cllr Watson, Chair of the Economic Leadership Board, said: “Employment is a key issue not only in Sunderland but across the UK and its vital that young people are given as much as help as possible to take their first steps on the career ladder.

“Work Discovery Week is designed to offer practical tips and advice which will not only come in useful in the workplace but will boost their confidence when they start job hunting too.”

A number of sponsorship packages are still available forWork Discovery Week - Sunderland 2013, including the opportunity to host a stand at the careers fair on the launch day or at a special exhibition which will be running at The Bridges Shopping Centre throughout the week.

Gary Hutchinson, Commercial Director of SAFC and co-chair of the task group behind Work Discovery Week, said: “It’s great to see the National Apprenticeship Service putting its weight behind Work Discovery Week and joining a host of key organisations that have already pledged their support.

“This initiative looks set to be of huge benefit not only to Sunderland’s young people but to all of the businesses that take part and it’s thanks to all our sponsors that it’s being made possible.”