the ultimate business network, tel 01292 678666

Overview

Skills is the number one priority for all businesses in Scotland. It is important that more businesses become better engaged with young people and school staff in a way that benefits all parties.

Enhanced employer and education links will make our young people more work ready and instil in them a can do, will do attitude, whilst re-assuring employers of the fantastic potential of our young people. Businesses and their employees add relevance to the learning experience for young people that plays a major part in creating effective contributors, successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens.

That is why Ayrshire Chamber has embedded employer engagement into its strategic plans and is currently delivering Determined to Succeed (DtS) and Work Experience contracts to our three local authorities, the only Chamber in Scotland to be doing so.

DtS is the Scottish Government's strategy for enterprise in education and its aim is to foster an enterprising culture where young people can develop skills for learning, skills for life and skills for work.

Locally, we work with schools to identify their employer engagement needs and source relevant businesses. There are various ways for businesses to engage with schools such as mock interviews, career talks, setting real life challenges or inputting into a specific subject area. It is one thing for young people to learn about the world of work from a book but it is something else to learn directly from their local workforce.

To get involved please contact Claire or Samantha on 01292 678666.

Ayrshire Chamber also manages the Work Experience programme on behalf of our three local authorities.

Work Experience is a 1 week placement that enables school students to experience the world of work

What are the benefits for young people?

Raised awareness of how rights and responsibilities, equal opportunities, health & safety and care of the environment apply in the workplace
Increased motivation towards course work and to reaching attainment levels in line with their potential
Opportunities to apply knowledge and skills developed in the classroom, in a real working environment
Development of important soft skills
Preparing for working life through direct experience
Improved understanding of industry and the working environment
Expanding vocational awareness

To get involved please contact Helen or Suzanne on 01292 678666

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