Member Article

Appeal to Middlesbrough businesses for skills scheme

Middlesbrough businesses are being encouraged to help give school pupils an insight into the world of work.

Middlesbrough Council is supporting the Building My Skills project run by Esh Group, which sees employers showcasing employability skills in fun, interactive sessions throughout the entire academic year culminating in realistic job interview opportunities for the best performing students.

Building My Skills is one of two schemes delivered by Esh Group across the North East at no cost to the schools or the local authorities. The Employability Programme is also being delivered by Esh Group in other areas.

Trinity Catholic College and Sixth Form in Middlesbrough is taking part in this year’s Building My Skills programme.

Richard Spence, teacher and careers advisor from the school, said: “The organisation of the programme has made it easy to implement to a full year group and the quality of the resources and initial talk has ensured all students have engaged in the project with great enthusiasm.”

Brian Manning, chief executive of Esh Group, said: “We need to thank all the businesses that are working in partnership as part of both Building My Skills and The Employability Programme.

“Everyone one of them is passionate about showing how school work is relevant in their business.

“That’s the important point - these business men and women are not coming in to school to teach - they are coming there to show and to bring the excitement of business into the classroom.

“These schemes are all about supporting schools and helping young people to really understand how their school experience is relevant in the world of work.”

Alongside the need to create more jobs, it is crucial that young people are informed of the careers likely to be on offer and encourage them to attain skills to enable them to be well equipped to secure the jobs available when they move into the world of work.

Employers can play at vital role in supporting schools to help young people gain the employability skills required in the workplace.

• If your business would like to offer support to Middlesbrough schools please contact Clare Elliott, Economic Development Officer, Middlesbrough Council on 01642 729131 or clare_elliott@middlesbrough.gov.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .