New research looking at how businesses can work with schools and
colleges to benefit the future prospects of young people, has
been welcomed by the Minister for Education and Welsh Language,
.
The ‘Transitions to
Employment’ report, carried out by , MS, has been commissioned by
Welsh Government.
Welcoming the report, said:
“This report clearly highlights the many benefits to businesses
in building strong partnerships with schools and colleges.
“As well as being extremely rewarding, it can also be an
opportunity to nurture young talent and develop the skills that
local employers need, creating a bigger pool of talent and
futureproof skills needed."
Primary school pupils in Pembrokeshire are already benefitting
from a scheme being run by Pembroke Dock-based offshore wind
development company Floventis Energy, who along with the Darwin
Centre, are running workshops with pupils aged 7-11.
After a series of workshops on floating offshore wind, climate
change, fossil fuels and the benefits of renewable energy with a
focus on future job opportunities, the children’s work was
displayed at the Senedd, where the Minister for Education and
Welsh Language was able to see just how inspiring it is for young
people to have hands on experiences of science and nature.
The exhibition included work from Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi,
Saundersfoot Primary School, Portfield School, Cleddau Reach VC
Primary School, Narberth Primary and St Francis Primary School,
Milford Haven.
The Darwin Centre is a charity based in Pembrokeshire which
enthuses young people and communities in STEM subjects through
hands on field trips and workshops, from rock pooling to
theoretical nuclear physics. It provides access to experts
within the STEM industry and highlights potential careers
available to the young people of Pembrokeshire.
Tess Blazey, Director of Policy and External Affairs at Floventis
said:
“As we continue to roll-out our education and outreach programme,
it is great to see how engaged local children are with their
local environment and the opportunities that offshore wind will
bring to Wales. We really hope that the work that we are doing
will inspire young people to develop their STEM skills and
consider future careers in renewable energy.”
Some recommendations in the ‘Transitions to Employment’ report
are already underway with £500,000 announced last month by the
Minister for Education and the Welsh Language for a tailored work
experience scheme targeted at young learners who are disengaging
with education and are at risk of becoming NEET.
Careers and Work-Related Experiences are now a mandatory part of
the Curriculum for Wales, including ages 3-16, bringing the
emphasis into primary schools as well as secondary schools.
