The idea
In March 2013 the first ever Rochdale Skills Event brought over 1,000 Year 9 students together with business leaders and careers advisers to give them the chance to get to grips with what they need to do to kick start their working life.
Everything from a crime scene to a vehicle repair garage and a catering kitchen were set up in a 25,000 sq ft warehouse on one of the borough's most successful business parks, giving the students the opportunity to try their hand at just some of the skills they might need to secure their ideal job.
The event introduced them to industries and roles they'd never even considered and they were able to ask local business and public sector leaders how they had got where they are today.
The public and private sector worked together to deliver the one-day event and it was declared an overwhelming success by contributors and participants, both teachers and pupils: 91.5% of pupils said it was either excellent or very good.
What we'll deliver
- We will develop work experience opportunities and apprenticeships.
- We will take over a 25,000 sq ft warehouse to bring even more businesses/organisations/sector to showcase to students.
- We will evaluate the event to share with partners and inform future events.
- We will organise the second Skills Festival to take place on 12 March 2014.
- We will promote the fesical to showcase the businesses and employment opportunities across the borough.
- We will provide more hands-on opportunities.
Why it's a great idea
In 2012 more businesses than ever chose to set up in the borough and in the last couple of years over 4million square feet of space has been taken up by the private and public sector, providing employment opportunities.
Employers are crying out for skilled people to join their workforce and yet our young people are leaving school and college with little understanding of the opportunities that exist and what they need to do to take advantage of them. That's why we organised the first event and why we are now organising a second, by popular demand!
Following the festival, work experience and apprenticeship opportunities were created, young people left feeling inspired and motivated and employers had had the opportunity to meet people who could be their future employees.
We must help young people manage their transition into the world of work and give them the best chance of developing a successful career. That's what our event does.
Steps to get it done
- We will create materials for the day to support students in their conversations with business leaders.
- We will work with the schools service to ensure as many pupils as possible can attend.
- We will set up a public/private working group to organise the Festival.
