Taste of the working world for teenagers
Sixty young people from across Buckinghamshire are getting a taste of the world of work this week (w/b August 3) in a five-day activity programme to help them choose a career.
The group of 13-15 year olds have taken over kitchens and workshops at Aylesbury College for #bucksinspired – a new initiative organised by the County Council’s Youth Service.
The idea is to inspire them to think out of the box about career choices and how to get the right vocational training.
Katy Moore, Senior Practitioner for the Youth Service, said the young people, booked on to the programme through their schools and other agencies, were those who responded better to practical ways of learning.
‘The key is to inspire them about their future,’ said Katy. ‘We’re using fun, practical activities to get them to think more creatively, more broadly, and more realistically,’ said Katy. ‘We’re hoping there’ll be some light bulb moments among them about the vocational opportunities that could set them on the right track.’
Zahir Mohammed, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: ‘I’m delighted we’ve been able to run this pilot programme, which will do a great deal to inspire our young peopleby giving them a taste of what they could aspire to.’
The young people, from Aylesbury, Buckingham, Amersham and High Wycombe, were able to choose from career streams, including mechanics and engineering, catering, arts and media, sport and working outdoors.
The five days of practical taster activities will be followed by a two-day residential workshop next week (w/b August 10) at Green Park activity centre, Aston Clinton.