Pilot aims to revamp student work experience

A pilot scheme to provide work experience for every pupil will be tested in Wolverhampton.

The plan will see the traditional two-week block usually undertaken by students replaced with 10 days of multiple experiences throughout secondary education.

Teenagers across the city will get the chance to visit employers such as Atkins Realis, Midlands Metro, Arup, KPMG, E.ON energy, DPD and Willmott Dixon.

It will be launched by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) in partnership with the City of Wolverhampton Council.

The WMCA model is one of four pilots developed in partnership with Mayoral Combined Authorities each across the country.

Each is testing a different part of the new approach, before national roll-out.

Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills said: "Quality careers advice has been unavailable to most young people for far too long, holding them back from success and making rewarding careers a privilege for the better off.

"This initiative will break down barriers to opportunity by connecting young people with businesses that need their talents and energy."

"It's essential that we work together with businesses to ensure that our young people are equipped with the skills they need for the future, tackling youth unemployment and opening up opportunities to our residents across the region," added Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority.

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