Programme Offers Work Experience & Employablility Training
Nine Elms regeneration brings career boost for Wandsworth schools
The Education Links programme uses this extraordinary development area as an inspiration to local young people and a valuable learning resource. It shows students how they can access a range of future job opportunities in the construction and development industries.
The scheme is designed and managed by Wandsworth Council and delivered through landowners, developers, consultants and contractors involved in the Nine Elms revival.
To date it covers the construction, engineering, design, business, architecture and sales industries.
So far more than 150 young people from Wandsworth schools aged between 11 and 19 have been involved and the number is set to grow as the area-wide development continues over the next decade.
Organisations taking part include St James, Battersea Power Station Development Company, Ballymore, Carillion and Sir Robert McAlpine.
The schools involved include Battersea Park, Ernest Bevin, Graveney, Chestnut Grove, Southfields Community College, Saint Cecilia's, Burntwood and St John Bosco. The initiative works alongside the council's Work Match service which concentrates on securing Nine Elms training and job opportunities for unemployed local people.
Ravi Govindia, leader of Wandsworth Council, said:
"The Education Links initiative creates clear connections between Wandsworth students and the incredibly valuable and diverse jobs market being created in Nine Elms. Tens of thousands of opportunities are coming to the area and our young people are ideally placed to benefit.
He continued:
"Delivered in partnership with Nine Elms landowners, developers, consultants and contractors, it bridges the gap between education and the workplace and teaches our students the skills employers want from school, college and university leavers. Through a variety of curriculum based activities, students develop skills and workplace experience to complement mainstream learning. It is designed to enhance their CVs, inspire interest in different career possibilities and raise aspirations. It can give them a genuine edge in the jobs market."
The programme is delivered by working professionals and includes: industry focussed research projects linked to the curriculum an internship programme for sixth form students work experienDecember 11, 2013bility training student visits and professionals visiting schools Students can graduate to full traineeships, apprenticeships and starter jobs with the companies involved.
Wandsworth schools who want to get involved with the programme should contact Ellie Boorer, eboorer@wandsworth.gov.uk or Noel Tierney, ntierney1@wandsworth.gov.uk at Wandsworth Council's Children's Services Department.
December 9, 2013
