Exploring Job Opportunities For Young People In Durham

Elddis is joining in a scheme to help young people understand more about the world of work.

Eight managers from Elddis, will be acting as business ambassadors by visiting schools in the Durham area in an effort to inspire and encourage the students.


The Durham Business Ambassadors programme has been developed to raise awareness of the range of career opportunities available to young people and help prepare and motivate them for working life, as Gary Jones, senior process manager, from Elddis explains,

"We're delighted to be involved in the programme and would encourage other businesses in the area to do the same. It's an excellent opportunity to provide students with a window into the world of work and present the range and diversity of careers options available to them.

We currently have four apprentices, all from local schools, this year we're expecting to appoint another two; young people need to understand that opportunities like this exist in their local community and it's up to businesses to present those opportunities if they want a committed loyal work force in the future.”

During the time in school the ambassadors from Elddis will be talking to the students about the company, presenting the various career options available in a major manufacturing operation as well as helping with national curriculum based activities including interview techniques and job applications.

Sarah McAllister from the Durham Education Business Partnership programme commented, "We are dependent on the good will of companies such as Elddis to help us deliver work related learning activities in schools and delighted they are making this commitment. The managers will help to encourage pupils to see the relevance of the subjects they are studying and encourage them to continue with further training and education after leaving school.”

Notes:

The Business Ambassadors Scheme has four key objectives;
· to raise awareness of career opportunities available to young people,
· to help pupils realise the relevance of their education,
· to encourage and motivate pupils and raise their aspirations,
· to help pupils prepare for the world of work.

Published: 04/05/2005