black country careers & enterprise newsletter · teacher cpd events provided by our employers,...
TRANSCRIPT
Coming up in this issue…..
❖ Primary Careers 2030 Project ❖ Cornerstone Employers ❖ Enterprise Adviser Network ❖ CEC – Updates – News - Events ❖ Transform 5 for Subject Leaders
❖ Thomas Dudley – A Century of Excellence ❖ School & Other Events ❖ Employer Events / Offers ❖ Career Hub Events - Teacher CPD Events ❖ Recent Events Showcase ❖ Give an Hour Campaign
BLACK COUNTRY CAREERS & ENTERPRISE NEWSLETTER
Spring Term - January 2020
WELCOME What an exciting start to 2020! The Black Country Careers Hub is out performing all of the Careers Hubs nationally and has achieved on average 5.8 Gatsby Benchmarks and we have reached 100 Active Enterprise Advisers working across 91 of our schools and colleges - this is a real commitment from 91 different business in the Black Country and we are overwhelmed by the amount of support we receive locally. The latest research by ‘Education & Employers’ indicates that there is a real disconnect between the aspirations of young people and the reality of the job market in the UK, it is imperative that young people receive high quality information advice and guidance and unfortunately this is not consistent across the UK. To follow the link to the article click below: https://www.educationandemployers.org/disconnected/ I have to draw your attention to our article on Thomas Dudley who have achieved so much this term alone and each year continue to find ways in which they can support and inspire local pupils and Teachers. With the first term well and truly behind us, the Christmas break gave us time to reflect on all of the activity that the Black Country Schools and Colleges provided for the young people in our area. The Careers Hub too, was very active last term and the highlights for us include the Teacher CPD events provided by our employers, the Enterprise Adviser event on how to improve your Social Media Presence and the ‘So You Want To Be A Medic’ organised by RSA Academies. We are still talking about the Annual Celebration Event at the Black Country Museum and the Ryders Hayes pupils sketch right at the end – it captured the very essence of what we are trying to achieve and the pupils captured our hearts. You can view the video of this on page 10. We have a lot on offer this term – the details of which are contained in the newsletter and we are looking forward to the second Teacher CPD/Network event on March 5th – 3.30 pm – 5 pm. Hot off the press - we have purchased some amazing resources for all of those teachers/careers leaders who attend either of the events. We have an amazing commitment again from our employers who will be exhibiting at the events - you really do not want to miss out! The events focus on post 16/18 choices and you will hear from some of the Apprentices who are employed locally. Please circulate the link to all staff in your school: March 5th - http://bit.ly/2FpEC2g In addition we have designed a flyer to invite your parents who are welcome to attend the events after the Teachers session from 4.45pm – 7pm. To access the flyer click here I hope that you all have a very successful term and I look forward to catching up with you at the local Hub meetings and events.
Angela Moore Black Country Careers Hub & Enterprise Adviser Network Manager
MEET THE TEAM
Please welcome Sue Baker our newest EC who joined us this month and is employed by the Black Country Chamber of Commerce. Over the past 12 years she has worked in a variety of areas, with training providers, NEET, work experience and Talent Match. Prior to that she has experience of the Learning & Skills Council and working with schools and colleges within Student Services and even worked as a PA in commercial businesses.
Contact details: Angela Moore [email protected]
Vikki Haines [email protected]
Carol Codner [email protected]
Alison Danks [email protected]
Fiona Burgess [email protected]
Sandra Boyd [email protected]
Corin Kelsey [email protected]
Nathan Hutchinson [email protected]
Sue Baker [email protected] OTHER USEFUL LINKS: Skills Factory Website – for information, news, resources, event calendar https://www.blackcountryskillsfactory.co.uk/schools/ Opening Doors in the Black Country is a useful tool to find local businesses that provide site visits to schools. Click to view
PRIMARY CAREERS 2030 PROJECT
Pupils at Ryders Hayes School in Walsall have been continuing their innovative careers events with the second of their events hosted by Dudley College, a one-day event on 18th October focusing on future technology in the construction industry.
Various workshops were attended by Year 5 pupils including ground penetrating radar, high definition and 3D scanning, Oculus Rift and HoloLens technology and air gun velocity.
Pupils were able to carry out virtual welding techniques, and see a live welding display.
Another Workshop covered the use of drones in surveying land, where the pupils were able to see how drones can be tracked on route via computers. To view the full news article click here The 3rd event on 19th November was held at In-Comm Training in Aldridge for Year 6 pupils to look at the manufacturing and engineering sector.
As well as seeing first hand up to date technology, they took part in workshops covering CAD/CAM, STEM and produced their own mini planes. To view the full news article click the link: http://bit.ly/2OonyPE Resources can be accessed by click this link http://bit.ly/2trxaRW
CORNERSTONE EMPLOYERS
Cornerstone Employers work strategically with the Hub Lead, Lead School and other local employers, building individual and collective commitments into a plan that determines activity in response to school and college needs. Regular roundtables and 1:1 meetings keep progress on track, to ensure that all schools and colleges in the Hub are moving towards achieving all eight Gatsby Benchmarks. A Cornerstone Employer can be a large or small business, and a local or national employer, provided they are:
➢ Dedicated to investing time and resources ➢ Committed to working with other Cornerstone Employers ➢ Willing to galvanise their business networks ➢ Focused on sustainability and acts as an ambassador
We would like to extend a warm welcome to our 2 new Cornerstone Employers Sandwell MBC and Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust who joined us very recently. We are looking forward to working with them. At the meeting on 26th November 2019 we awarded 2 of our Cornerstone Employers, Walsall MBC and A F Blakemore, with certificates acknowledging their commitment to help young people in their local community. Their dedication to support equal opportunities for all and promote social mobility is impressive.
Angela Moore presenting Helena Baxter the certificate for Walsall MBC.
Left to right: Clare Knowles and Danielle Williams from A F Blakemore receiving their company certificate from Angela.
APPRENTICESHIP VACANCIES – CORNERSTONE EMPLOYERS
Our Cornerstone Employers have Apprenticeship and training vacancies on their websites. To view the latest offers please click the links below to take you directly to the employer’s career website page. Walsall MBC https://go.walsall.gov.uk/apprenticeships
A F Blakemore https://www.afblakemore.com/careers/apprenticeships
Accord Group https://accord.amris.com/our-roles/apprenticeships/?undefined=undefined
KPMG https://www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/apprentice
Wilmott Dixon https://www.willmottdixon.co.uk/earlycareers
Thomas Dudley Ltd http://www.thomasdudley.co.uk/corporate/apprenticeships.html
Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust https://www.royalwolverhampton.nhs.uk/work-with-us/apprenticeships/current-vacancies/
Sandwell MBC http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/info/200233/jobs/3653/apprenticeship_vacancies
The websites are continually updated with new opportunities, so please check on a regular basis.
ENTERPRISE ADVISER NETWORK
An Enterprise Adviser is a volunteer from business who works closely with the Head
Teacher or Senior Leadership Team of a school or college to provide strategic support.
Enterprise Advisers use their business experience and professional networks to help
develop and implement an effective strategy that puts opportunities with local
employers at the heart of young people’s education.
Why become an Enterprise Adviser?
Volunteering as an Enterprise Adviser can be incredibly rewarding. You will be
supported by a trained, full-time Enterprise Co-ordinator and a range of practical
resources to help you in your role. You can also benefit from peer support from other
volunteers and broaden your network of contacts further.
Being an Enterprise Adviser gives the opportunity to:
• Support your local school or college by delivering careers guidance to their
students, enabling young people to be prepared and inspired for the fast-changing world of work.
• Build strong working relationships with schools and colleges and provide insight into your organisation / industry and the opportunities available in the local labour market.
• Get a better understanding of the education sector and the challenges they face.
• Give back to your community while developing your local business network
For further information or to apply to become an Enterprise Adviser please contact Angela Moore, Careers Hub Manager: [email protected]
WELCOME TO OUR NEW ENTERPRISE ADVISORS
Sunny Brar
Michelle Bickerton
Adam Wootton
Stephanie Charlton
Jennifer Kinsella
Phil Clee
Vikki Lindop
Simon Hackett & Triona Johnson
Gary Wylde
Dawn Wragg
Geoff Henderson
Shona Hemmings
All resources for schools and Enterprise Advisors are held in a secure database called File Protect. To request access and/or assistance with the system please contact: Eileen Steventon (01384 471133) or email [email protected]
PROFILE OF AN ENTERPRISE ADVISER
DAVID ROGERS – COMMERCIAL FINANCE MANAGER MARSTON’S PLC
Brewing beer and running public houses for over 180 years, Marston’s is well-known across the country. Operating 6 breweries, producing over 60 best loved ales, they are one of the country’s top pub businesses. David Rogers officially became an EA approximately 5 months ago, but has been involved with Bishop Milner Catholic College for 12 months. He was approached by the school’s Career Leader and following a meeting with the Black Country Careers Hub Manager the rest, as they say, is history. When asked what the deciding factor was, and what he feels is important in this role his response was: “There were a couple of factors that influenced my decision to become an EA. The first was simply being able to give something back to one of my old secondary schools. The second was the opportunity to help improve both the students and teachers’ knowledge of different career paths and the challenges that students could face when moving into the world of work”. “For me the most important part is being a critical friend to your respective school, college or academy. Being able to provide constructive feedback on their plans and events is key to moving their career development plans and the Gatsby Benchmarks forward. Our experience in industry, in whatever field and at whatever level, are incredibly important as well. It is these experiences that really make a difference to the students understanding of the world of work”. Getting involved with the school, David had this to say: “There are a number of ways I get involved with my school from regular meetings with my Enterprise Co-ordinator and Careers Lead to facilitating conversations with different people in my network to help support events. I try to attend as many of the events at school as possible, which in recent months have included mock interviews & assessment centres and attending careers fairs as both a delegate and local employer. I have also attended our Futures Friday and Vocational Half Term events, where we talk to the students about our own career development and how important each subject is in the world of work. And finally on his experience of EA work to date: “I can honestly say that being an Enterprise Adviser has been a brilliant experience and has been rewarding on so many levels. Not only does it give me an opportunity to directly impact the students on their career journeys, it has also provided an opportunity to develop on both a professional and personal level. Being the EA representative for the Black Country Careers Hub, means I am also able to support my fellow EAs and share our success with the other Hubs across the UK which is incredibly important to the continued development of the programme.
ENTERPRISE ADVISER NETWORK ANNUAL CELEBRATION
Our Annual Enterprise Advisers Celebration event took place on 16th October 2019 at The Black Country Living Museum. The event was well attended with representatives from local schools, businesses and The Careers and Enterprise Company. Presentations giving an overview of how successful the EA network has been in providing essential support for schools, to meeting the Gatsby Benchmarks with examples on how links have been forged between employers and schools. The event was opened with a welcome from Kevin Davis, CEO of The Vine Trust and Black Country LEP board member. Presentations were given by Clare Hutchinson, Director of Network for the CEC, Colin Parker, Director of The Skills Factory along with local schools/organisations sharing their experiences and best practice.
Clare Hutchinson Director of Network CEC Sarah Wilkins Career Leader at Bishop Milner
School with pupils and EA Dave Rogers, Marstons
To round off the event two pupils from Ryders Hayes Primary School performed a very witty and talented ‘sketch routine’ discussing the wide variety of career choices on offer to young people.
To view the video of Ryder Hayes pupils sketch click the link https://youtu.be/fqws4arDp2Q
CEC – UPDATES, NEWS & EVENTS
NEW FROM CEC – EA WORKPLACE GROUP
Dear Enterprise Advisers,
Based on the feedback we have collected from the Enterprise Adviser Network; we are writing to let you know that we have taken forward the demand for an online forum. Over the next week we will be inviting you to join the CEC Facebook Workplace where you can then join our closed EA Workplace group. To note, Facebook Workplace is independent of Facebook. You don’t need to be a Facebook user to join Facebook Workplace but if you are, there is no connection to your personal Facebook profile. Once you have accepted the invitation via email and created your account, or if you are already a member of Facebook Workplace, then please click here to send us a request to join the EA group. Alternatively, please feel free to explore and send your request via the platform. If you do not wish to join, then you can simply ignore the invitation. The purpose of this group is to provide you with a platform where you can connect with each other, share best practice, speak with us at the CEC directly and to keep up to date with organisational news. While we will be inviting CEC staff and one Senior EC from each LEP to this group, we want to stress that this group is made for you.
For tips on how to use Workplace please click here.
Next steps: To get started, we have included some suggestions on what to post below:
1. Introducing yourself: What is your role? What area are you representing? When did
you become an EA? What do you enjoy about being an EA and what do you find
challenging?
2. What do you think you can bring into the school in terms of strategic advice?
Moving forwards, we strongly encourage you to keep an eye on the group as your peers working across the country will undoubtedly benefit from your invaluable knowledge. We will also be sharing key resources, introducing your regional CEC teams and EA reps over the next few weeks.
Should you have any questions regarding Facebook Workplace, please get in touch with us via [email protected] Many thanks Clare Hutchinson Director of Network
CEC EVENTS
To view full details of the 2020 training events click here
CEC NEWS Implementing Careers into the Curriculum
We found an article on including careers in the curriculum by the Royal Society of Chemistry and thought you might find it useful. The article provides an overview of practically how this can be done in the classroom. They give a couple of examples that are Chemistry related.
YOUTH SOCIAL ACTION TOOLKIT Putting young people’s talents to work There is no shortage of young people wanting to gain experience of the workplace, and no shortage of employers wanting to offer it. However, as The Centre for Education and Youth and Workfinder’s recent research on work experience highlights, despite lots of goodwill many employers are unsure about how to work with young people. Fortunately, as our recent work with The Careers & Enterprise Company and #iwill campaign reveals, youth social action helps young people develop career-relevant skills and experiences while undertaking projects that directly benefit their local communities. Youth Social Action is defined as activity that young people undertake in order to make a positive difference to others or the environment. It can offer a much needed new way for organisations to support young people in mutually beneficial ways. The purpose of the toolkit is to:-
• Explain Youth Social Action
• Help you explore youth social action in practice
• Get inspired
• Help you measure and grow its impact For further details of the toolkit please click the link below
https://www.youth-social-action.careersandenterprise.co.uk/
TRANSFORM 5 FOR SUBJECT LEADERS
This academic year, as part of our Black Country Careers Hub activity, we have scheduled a series of short industry visits for Curriculum Leads/Teaching Staff and Careers Leaders to businesses in a variety of sectors, which began in November 2019. The purpose of these visits is to broaden knowledge and understanding of the opportunities that are available to Black Country students and to support teachers to
link curriculum learning with the world of work. Students need to understand the
changing labour market in their area to benefit from job growth and opportunities available.
Each visit will consist of a tour of the business, information around careers in that particular sector and resources to take away to support delivery of Gatsby Benchmark 4 – Linking curriculum learning to careers. The resources we use at each visit will be available for schools to use within their own schools/colleges, and can be found on our File Protect system under BM4.
SERIES 1 – TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGIES Visit to Midland Metro Alliance November 2019
New technologies are transforming the way we plan, design, build, and operate transportation systems. We depend on traffic condition reports, electronic maps, on-board vehicle performance monitors and a host of other services that did not exist a generation ago. Some of us are already driving hybrid vehicles or commuting in buses powered by hydrogen or biofuels. For the future, we are all counting on additional advances in transportation technology, not just to get us where we want to go, but also to reduce greenhouse gases, improve air quality, and support economic development.
Rose Rees – Head of Engagement & Skills for Midland Metro Alliance hosted the visit to their Head Office in Birmingham. She delivered a presentation on the business and their commitment to ‘Transform the West Midlands by delivering an
Integrated Transport System for the future’. There was a particular focus on the
wealth of opportunities this sector can offer young people including growth in advanced apprenticeships. Feedback from attendees on the day was very positive and included:-
“Very useful input along with some good ideas about how to integrate the material into our curriculum”.
“A good follow up would be more tailored advice in how to engage companies geographically closer to our school – or companies that would be willing to act as willing partners”.
“I’ll certainly look to get a visit sorted out in the future”.
“A well delivered session with well thought out material. Anything extra in the way of follow up would be great”.
“Very helpful to see possible careers”.
SERIES 2 – MANUFACTURING VISIT TO THOMAS DUDLEY LTD 22ND JANUARY 2020
Advanced Manufacturing – A Transformational Sector in the Black Country The Black Country proudly boasts a huge, world-class manufacturing and engineering base and this is the region’s largest sector, accounting for over 15% of the GVA. There are 67,000 people employed in this sector and a total of nearly 4,000 businesses ranging across metals and machinery manufacturing to chemicals, tooling, food and drink and furniture and equipment manufacturing. Some 600 companies are ‘high turnover’ (of £1m+) businesses and 29 of these are large businesses employing over 250 people.
Transform 5 provides an opportunity for employers to give an insight to Careers Leaders and Teaching Staff in how their organisation works and the range of career opportunities there are available. The second visit saw Thomas Dudley opening their doors to Teachers and Careers Leaders at their Dudley premises which incorporated a tour of their state-of-the-art foundry and their plastic moulding premises.
Following the visit the teacher’s feedback was positive:
• Excellent to see links willing to support embedding ‘work life’ into different subject areas.
• Fantastic, relevant & highly informative.
• A useful morning, I will be looking further into today
• Very helpful visit to support careers advice and network Michelle Bickerton – People & Development Director said “The interaction with schools and the work place is key for the survival of traditional trades in the UK. Engineering in particular is suffering. Bringing students and teachers into the work place has key benefits for all, the students get to understand what will be available to them or what they really will not want to do in the future and for teaching staff it gives them an insight into what the business can do for the students. This is supporting career visits, projects as well as lesson plans within the curriculum. The future is unknown but this does not mean we should not be ready.”
TRANSFORM 5 FUTURE SESSIONS – SAVE THE DATES
BOOKING DETAILS WILL BE SENT OUT SHORTLY
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING/MANUFACTURING Robinson Brothers 11th March 2020 1.30pm – 3.30pm
CONSTRUCTION Local Homes Accord 1st April 2020 Times 9.30am – 11.30am
ENGINEERING/ENERGY Doosan Babcock 20th May 2020 10am – 12pm
▪ Further details and a booking link will be emailed out prior to each event. ▪ Each school will be allocated 1 place at each event on a first come first served basis. ▪ Suitable for Career Leaders, Teachers or Heads of Departments. ▪ These events are free to attend however cancellations will only be allowed up to
24 hours before the event. We recommend the following reading for teachers prior to the events:
https://www.careersandenterprise.co.uk/sites/default/files/the_send_gatsby_toolkit_benchmark_2.pdf https://www.careersandenterprise.co.uk/sites/default/files/gatsby_benchmark_4.pdf
THOMAS DUDLEY PROUDLY CELEBRATES A CENTURY OF
ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE IN 2020 The company has been manufacturing in the UK since its inception in 1920. Having previously helped to develop and manage foundries across the UK, Mr Thomas Dudley set up his own business, half a mile from the current Head Office.
Photo: Thomas and May Dudley, the founders of Thomas Dudley Ltd In 1934, land was acquired and the foundry relocated to its current site on the Birmingham New Road in Dudley. In 1936, Thomas Dudley sailed on the Queen Mary’s maiden voyage to America and visited a number of foundries to help formulate his vision for the future of the company. By the 1950s, the foundry was producing a wide range of products including cast iron WC cisterns. However, these cisterns were often installed outside and many cracked during the harsh winters. As a result, Thomas Dudley began sourcing frost-resistant heavy-duty
rubber cisterns. This move and the success that followed paved the way for the plastics division which started to manufacture plastic injection moulded models shortly afterwards. As the foundry expanded, significant investment was made in mechanised plant and seven automated moulding lines were installed between 1966 and 1988.
Photo: The original factory (Thomas Dudley can be seen on the right wearing a bowler hat)
Between 1969 and 1971, a new building was also erected to house the plastics division. Strategic acquisitions have seen Masefield-Beta Ltd, McDonald Diecasting Ltd, Waterfit Ltd, Rugby Plastics Ltd, Ecosan (Resan sanitaryware) and ZJP Plumbing Supplies Ltd join the Thomas Dudley family. Today, Thomas Dudley is a hugely successful manufacturing business, employing around 500 people and generating turnover exceeding £50 million.
Photo: Continuous Process Paint Dripping Plant, newly installed at the factory in July 2019
SPOTLIGHT ON MARTIN DUDLEY Martin Dudley, MD at Thomas Dudley Ltd, has been an Enterprise Adviser for over 6 months, and was made aware of the Enterprise Adviser Network via the Black Country Skills Factory. Allocated to Beacon Hill Academy, Martin supports the school by providing different engagements between the school and his company. When asked what he felt was the most important part of being an EA he explained he wanted to make a difference to the careers of young people and help them make an informed decision about their future careers. Thomas Dudley Ltd is very active supporting the Career Hub schools providing visits, projects and mentoring and are one of our Opening Doors in the Black Country Employers. The company very kindly agreed to open their doors for the schools again, by hosting a Teachers CPD session held on 22nd Jan, as part of the Transform 5 series, looking at the manufacturing sector.
Thomas Dudley Ltd are based in the heart of the Black Country and have been established since 1920. The family based business is committed to continual improvement and invest heavily in the latest technologies.
To view the Company (careers) video click the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81aNZKLAdmA
Martin was voted Business Person of the Year at the Black Country Chamber of Commerce Awards in November 2019.
SCHOOL EVENTS SUPPORT REQUIRED FROM EMPLOYERS
DUDLEY AREA CRESTWOOD SCHOOL - Future Friday's – Choose a highlighted date (normally fortnightly) then click confirm:
Any queries contact: [email protected] - Click here to book
SANDWELL AREA Q3 ACADEMY (LANGLEY) – Future Friday’s Q3 Academy Langley ‘Future Friday’s’ is with our year 10 students, and is a weekly opportunity for students to engage with employers, businesses and training providers to gain valuable insights into a range of careers and pathways. We hope that this will not only raise aspirations, but also provide students with more bespoke careers information relating to their chosen area of interest. You are invited to join us for Future Friday, which will consist of Family Lunch with the students, followed by either a Q&A or short presentation by employers. This will be with a small group of 5 – 10 students who have specifically expressed an interest in your area of work, and takes place from around 13:15 to 14:30. If you have capacity to support us, please let me know what dates you are available and I will look forward to hearing from you. Any questions, please contact Jessica Lucas, Student Support Champion (Year 10) Available dates: 20th & 27th March 3rd & 24th April 1st & 15th May WOOD GREEN ACADEMY, WEDNESBURY – World of Work Wednesdays (WoWW) Looking for employees/companies to come into school and speak to students about their own careers/career journeys and about the organisations they work for. This ongoing event will be a business breakfast starting at 8am and finishing at approximately 8.30am where pupils can ask questions in an informal setting. If you would be interested in taking part in WoWW and are happy to talk to a small group of pupils (max 30) about your job role/career please contact: Amanda Birch on 0121 556 4131 or email [email protected] RSA ACADEMY (TIPTON) Cool Careers 25th March half or full day activity working with Year 8 pupils investigating different job roles and careers. Motivational Mondays 2pm – 3pm every Monday for post 16 students – RSA are looking for inspirational speakers Year 13 Mentoring 1st Monday of every month 2 pm – 3 pm If you are interested in supporting the school please contact Arvind Batra [email protected] DO YOU HAVE A FORTHCOMING EVENT, AND WOULD LIKE SUPPORT FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES? If you do and would like your event included on our website and/or termly newsletters please contact your Enterprise Co-ordinator or email details directly to [email protected]
OTHER CAREER EVENTS JOB FAIRS – BIRMINGHAM The Council House 15/04/2020 Victoria Square 10/07/2020 Birmingham B1 1BB 04/11/2020
JOB FAIRS - WOLVERHAMPTON Molineux Stadium 18/03/2020 Waterloo Rd 17/06/2020 Wolverhampton WV1 4QR 25/09/2020
ESFA - QUALITY IN CAREERS STANDARD EVENTS Is your school meeting its legal requirements on careers provision and supporting pupils to make informed choices about their futures? The Department for Education (DfE) is funding 3 free to attend events for schools and colleges to learn more about externally validating their careers programme through the national Quality in Careers Standard. These events involve testimonies from schools and colleges already holding the Standard and are hosted by the Quality in Careers National Director. They are intended for staff in schools and colleges that have not yet engaged with the Standard. The event details, including the speakers from schools and colleges, have now been confirmed:
• Wednesday 4 March 2020, Newcastle upon Tyne • Thursday 12 March 2020, Birmingham • Tuesday 17 March 2020, Bristol
For more information and to book your free ticket, please visit the Quality in Careers website
NATIONAL CAREER GUIDANCE SHOWS To view the details of the Prospects Career Guidance shows click the link http://bit.ly/2FsACOo
EMPLOYER EVENTS / OFFERS
WILMOTT DIXON – March 16th – 20th
The Marches site will be taking part in the Open Doors week in March. This event is suitable for anyone looking for a career in construction. To view full details and dates available please click the link below: The Marches, WV Living - https://opendoors.construction/site/497
COLLINS AEROSPACE – WORK EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITY We are delighted to announce that we have developed a new general site work experience program to run alongside our current engineering program. Work experience is the first stepping stone in a student’s path towards an exciting career. The program we have created aims to develop students’ employability skills, through offering exciting insights into our business and STEM-related careers. The new program is aimed at students aged 14-18 who have a passion for working in our industry. We want to reach out to students who are interested in manufacturing, engineering, fitting and testing, as well as other areas such as quality, business development and IT. This is a generalised work experience program to show students all aspects of the business. In order to make the process as fair as possible, there will be an application process. More information regarding this will be provided once you register an interest. Applications are now open and will close on Friday 6th March 2020. Please note applications cannot be accepted after the closing date. March 9th-13th 2020 (Fully Booked) June 29th- 3rd (Fully Booked)
May 4th-8th 2020 July 6th-10th 2020 (Fully Booked)
June 8th-12th 2020 July 13th -17th 2020 (Limited Availability)
June 15th-19th 2020 (Date withdrawn) August 10th -14th 2020 (Fully Booked)
If any of your students would be interested in this work experience program, please email [email protected] to receive the application form. Please note that spaces will be given on a first come, first serve basis, as long as the criteria has been met.
ACTIVE BLACK COUNTRY
NEXTGENMAKERS
Introducing: A comprehensive careers resource for Engineering
In March 2020 Next Gen Makers will be launching the Engineering Careers Prospectus 2020. What? It is a dedicated free of charge online and printed resource for High Schools & Sixth Forms in the Black Country and Birmingham. Why? The aim is to help schools in the provision of quality careers advice relating to engineering. Content: Targeted for a year 10+ audience, the Engineering Careers Prospectus 2020 includes:
• Simplified engineering career pathway information
• Places to learn and develop skills (Colleges/ Training Providers)
• A broad range of example engineering & manufacturing companies
• Success stories of existing engineering Apprentices
Careers Leads at Schools that are interested in receiving the Engineering Careers Prospectus 2020 resource should email [email protected]
SANDWELL COUNCIL - SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME
Each year, Sandwell Council’s HR service delivers its Summer Internship Programme. This corporate initiative gives undergraduates the opportunity to spend the summer working for the Council, contributing to key events and projects. During their placement each intern gains valuable experience and the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills.
At the end of the programme the interns are tasked with researching and delivering a presentation, looking into a subject that directly links into the Council’s 2030 Vision. The presentation this year focussed on how the (organisation’s) Sandwell Councils staff volunteering scheme and the Careers and Enterprise Company’s Enterprise Advisor Network may support more young people to join the Council’s Apprenticeship and work experience schemes. The interns researched the work of the CEC and the benefits of the
Give an Hour campaign, the Enterprise Adviser Network and the Opening Doors Project. Once their research was completed, the interns presented to an audience including senior management and councillors. The benefits of the scheme both to the Council and its employees and Sandwell students were outlined/explained by the interns with their strong recommendation that it was something that the Council should be involved in. The conclusion was that this is an important area of work and should be used to influence the future direction the Council may wish to take with its volunteering scheme. The Council’s Connexions service now has a member of staff Alison Danks directly seconded to the Careers and Enterprise Company with the overall aim of increasing employer engagement within schools and college and will be helping to take this work forward with the council. For further information please contact: Alison Danks Connexions Adviser and Enterprise Co-ordinator T: 0121 569 2955 ext. 2394 E: [email protected]
TWO GREAT OFFERS TO SCHOOLS FROM
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS Following an introduction from the Digital Skills Partnership, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) have been liaising with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) to draw up an initiative to engage with schools and colleges to achieve and build on digital skills and career aspirations. As I am sure you are aware, the demand for digital skills engagement from school and colleges is growing exponentially. Workshops in Schools (Back To Schools)
• PwC, a large organisation, offering apprenticeships and work experience in business, technology and finance, would like to offer your school or college a "Back to School" Workshop.
• Students will have the opportunity to meet a current member of staff (e.g. an apprentice or graduate", hear their career story and participate in an interactive workshop focused around employability skills and awareness of the business and digital world.
• The workshops can last 60 - 90 minutes, depending your available time and can be adapted slightly to focus more on tech / business depending on the group.
PWC INSIGHT DAY PwC are holding an Insight Day in our (brand new!) Birmingham office for year 12 students who are interested in finding more about what we do as a firm, to talk about our work experience opportunities and to give some hints and tips for the application process. Technology teams at PwC are rapidly expanding, and we'd love to show you what we do. Ranging from Cyber security, data analytics, technology consulting and technology risk, with many more in between. If you have any students who you think may be interested, Please ask them to sign up on our website: Insight Week Applications are now open The PwC insight weeks offers a paid work experience in the PwC offices during the summer and can lead to an offer for a PwC apprenticeship scheme. Applications are open till the 14th February! Apply here: Insight Weeks Only the basic registration form has to be completed by the deadline, so please encourage your students to register to avoid missing out! For more information and queries please contact: Tony O'Callaghan T-Level Planning Manager Direct Dial: 0121 214 7103 Mobile: 07557 489778 Email: Tony.O'[email protected]
CAREERS HUB EVENTS
CPD TEACHER/PARENT (GATSBY BENCHMARK 7) EVENT
The event is aimed at Teachers, Careers Advisors and Careers Leaders who want to improve their knowledge and make contacts from the World of Work, College, University and Apprenticeship Providers who can support them to provide accurate information and signposting. From 4.45pm – 7pm we have a marketplace for parents and pupils packed full of employers, colleges, training providers and the University of Wolverhampton with essential information to assist with young people’s career choices.
5th MARCH 2020 The Village Hotel Castlegate Drive Dudley DY1 4TB TIMES: Teachers - 3.30pm – 5pm Parents / pupils from 4.45pm – 7pm To secure your place at this event, please access the registration page below: March 5th - http://bit.ly/2FpEC2g
PLEASE NOTE: PARENTS/PUPILS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO BOOK – JUST TO TURN UP ON THE DAY The same event was held on 5th February at GTG, Wolverhampton, with a good attendance of schools and parents.
@FireItUp_Apps #FireItUp
RECENT EVENTS SHOWCASE OCTOBER 2019
On the 22nd October, RSA Academies and Black Country Careers Hub hosted a special careers workshop for pupils from RSA Academy and Holyhead School, as well as 14 wider schools across the Black Country. The workshop provided over 100 pupils from across Year 9 - 12 with an opportunity to gain new insight into careers in medicine and other healthcare professions.
The workshop was delivered by The Medic Portal and facilitated by a final year medical student from King’s College London. Through the workshop, pupils learnt about the history of medicine and the role of doctors. There was also time dedicated to offering valuable information on the different medical teams and allied healthcare professions involved in patient treatment. Pupils learnt about the
differences between these roles and the varied skillset needed for each.
Pupils were given key information as to what subjects and grades each UK medical school looked for. They also learnt about the different routes and course structures that might be best for them before moving on to look at personal statement top tips. Being only a few years older than the pupils themselves, the facilitator was able to easily relate her own experiences of finding work placements, admissions tests, and university interviews with the pupils.
Pupils also had the opportunity to hear from Dr Mitesh Patel from the University of Wolverhampton who explained more about the foundation and graduate-entry courses available in the West Midlands. Doctors are in particular demand in the West Midlands. A census carried out by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) found that the West Midlands has one of the highest numbers of patients per senior doctor in the UK. Simply there aren’t enough doctors to tackle patients’ needs in these areas which is why we need to nurture career interests from an early age, particularly in these areas.
After lunch, pupils were then challenged to consider a medical case as part of a problem-based learning scenario. Pupils had to work in small groups to decide which healthcare teams they might need to consult and what sort of exam they would need to conduct. Pupils were shown how to conduct a chest exam and then practised on each other. Finally, pupils had to diagnose their patients and come up with a treatment plan. All of this proved to be an exciting and challenging exercise as part of the peer-to-peer-based learning and critical thinking that would be expected of them as a junior doctor working in a hospital environment.
We are grateful to the Black Country Careers Hub for helping to support this workshop. The workshop marked the first workshop in a new career series for RSA Academies called ‘So you want to be...’ Evidence shows how important it is for students to start gaining career insight from an early age. Recent research by the charity Education and Employers highlighted that for each careers activities involving an outside speaker that pupils experienced between the ages of 14-15, there were marked benefits to their personal pathway planning and increased early career wages in the future.
These encounters are particularly important to pupils who may not have the same connections to career role models as their more advantaged peers. Within his book ‘The Class Ceiling’, Dr Sam Friedman highlights that ‘socially privileged' children of doctors are 24 times more likely to go into the same profession as their parents than their less advantaged peers. Reports from the Sutton Trust ‘Leading People’ (2016) and ‘Elitist Britain’ (2019) also show that professions such as medicine continue to be disproportionality populated by
those privately educated, with nearly two-thirds of top doctors educated at independent schools (Leading People 2016).
The aim of the series for RSA Academies is to inspire and support students to explore a range of different career interests and build essential knowledge around these career paths. We will enable learners to make informed decisions about their future career and further study options at key milestones in their school journey. As part of this workshop series we also plan to explore careers in law and the creative industries.
NOVEMBER 2019
The National Apprenticeships Awards 2019 took place on Wednesday 27th November in London. One of our very own Enterprise Advisers, Indie Deol, was requested to be a judge, and can be seen here with Kevin Davis, CEO of The Vine Trust and Black Country LEP Board member.
To view more details of the event click here
ALSO IN NOVEMBER - CAREERS PROGRAMMES IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Angela Moore - Careers Hub and Enterprise Adviser Network Manager - was invited to speak live on the radio about the work of the Black Country Careers Hub on November 15th. Angela and Dave Rogers from Marston’s, who is also an Enterprise Adviser for Bishop Milner Academy in Dudley, were live on air on ‘Friday Night Clive’ on Black Country Radio talking all things careers and the importance of the work employers do in
schools and colleges in the area. Angela stated - a nerve-racking experience to be sure but a great opportunity to talk about the Black Country Careers Hub and the great work of the Enterprise Adviser Network.
CAREERS YEAR 8 - “WHAT’S MY JOB” ST THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Mrs N Prior, Careers Lead
On Tuesday 5th November, 16 employees came into school to participate in the Year 8 Careers event titled “What’s my job”. St Thomas More Catholic School aims to provide students with a number of meaningful encounters with employers from industry. Employer interactions give students the opportunity to learn from people they wouldn’t ordinarily meet in their common surroundings.
The main objectives of the Year 8 event were to provide pupils with opportunities to learn more about different careers, and practice networking with people outside of the school setting. In doing this they were also developing their communication skills and learning more about the soft skills employers look for.
Another key aim for this event was to dispel some of the myths concerning careers suitable for particular groups of people. We did this by ensuring we recruited a few employees who were in less conspicuous job roles. For example, we had a young female corporate banking advisor and a male nurse. Both roles that are typically stereotyped for the opposite gender.
To view further details of the event and see the full list of employee roles / the business they work for please click here
DECEMBER 2019
On the 3rd December the Westminster School held an Enterprise Day to celebrate Global Entrepreneurship Week. This was a huge celebration of all the social enterprise companies that are running in the school. Currently there are six companies in operation and students have a minimum of 2 hours a week to help develop their business, make products and sell them to their peers, parents and the public. The companies range from making jams and chutneys to pet accessories. The aim is for the products to be made and sold from a shop or market stall that can be sold to the community.
During the day all pupils in the school had the opportunity to experience various roles in each company and work as a team to complete different activities, this included logo design, production, advertising and general employability skills. Also delivering workshops for this day was a company called VIY (Volunteer It Yourself) where they looked at different employability skills needed for the world of work, for example problem solving, communication and teamwork. Pupils loved the day and especially enjoyed meeting our special guest Souleyman Bah, who is a Paralympic athlete who was featured on the BBC show The Apprentice. Souleyman spoke to the pupils about aspirations and achieving your goals as he has overcome many challenges himself. Make it Reel filmed the day and caught the excitement on camera! The Westminster school embraces Social enterprise skills and is at the heart of the vision of the school.
Also in December
Enterprise Advisors Networking meeting was held on Wednesday 4th December at GTG Training, Willenhall. Approximately 30 EA’s took time out of their busy schedule to attend the event, where a presentation on the effective use of social media was given by OMG.
GIVE AN HOUR CAMPAIGN
As part of national Volunteers’ Week, Black Country LEP encouraged employers to make a difference to the futures of young people in the Black Country.
The Give an Hour campaign targets small and medium sized employers (SMEs) to offer as little as an hour of their time to help young people prepare for the fast-changing world of work.
The campaign – run jointly by Black Country LEP and The Careers & Enterprise Company – highlights that in as little as one hour, organisations can help to transform a young person’s future by bringing to life different career opportunities and providing insight about the skills young people need to be work-ready and successful in the workplace.
We would like to express our thanks to all the volunteers that have so far
committed their time to this worthwhile campaign, your time and effort is greatly
appreciated.
If you are interested in getting on board with our campaign to support schools and
colleges please visit www.giveanhour.co.uk for further information and to register.
Image: Vikki Haines (Black Country Senior Enterprise Co-ordinator/Hub Lead), Colin Parker (Black Country Skills Factory Director), Ben Taylor (Westminster School), Kevin Rogers (Paycare), Angela
Moore (Black Country Careers Hub Manager) and Corin Kelsey (Black Country Enterprise Co-ordinator)
Look out for our summer edition Newsletter coming your way in May/June…….