Dudley based manufacturer Thomas Dudley Ltd has pioneered an innovative new project which aims to revolutionise the way employers engage with schools and other educational bodies. The project aims to incorporate careers advice into the curriculum by demonstrating the links between academic principles and the world of work. The Careers in the Classroom project has worked with a number of manufacturing and engineering companies in the Midlands in order to raise awareness and appreciation of the jobs available in the sector. For more information please follow this link to the website; www.careersintheclassroom.co.uk or contact Philippa Rowley ([email protected]).
What is Careers in the Classroom?
By producing a database of video interviews which feature employees discussing how their job uses academic principles, the project aims to cement the link between what students are learning in schools and how these skills will be used later in life.
The interviews will be shown during normal lessons to emphasise the importance of careers decisions as well as the relevance of what they are learning now.
The project aims to answer the eternal question from students; Why am I learning this? For example an interview with a Product Designer may discuss how they use trigonometry or an interview with a Foundry Manager may discuss how they use the properties of metals
In addition, the exposure to real people talking about their careers will give students an appreciation of the world or work and the skills required to succeed.
Why get involved?
By producing a video for Careers in the Classroom manufacturers in the Midlands can publicise themselves and their sector amongst the next generation and in doing so help to improve the current skills shortage.
In addition businesses can help to improve the calibre of candidates they will receive in the future. By helping to make education more relevant and careers advice more interesting today, you are ensuring a motivated, engaged and skilled workforce tomorrow.
Getting involved is easy
Rather than engagement with schools requiring a large commitment of employee time, this project merely requires a one-off contribution which can then be played repeatedly across local schools to reach as many students as possible.
Once you register interest a questionnaire will be sent out to interviewees and a convenient slot will be arranged for the interview which can take place over a couple of hours in the place of work. Employees will discuss their job, careers path and work life as well as the skills required to succeed in the world of work. This footage will then be edited into a presentation and uploaded onto the website to be accessed by schools.
Progress Update
The Careers in the Classroom website is now complete and a total of 9 presentations have been uploaded, with more being produced every day.
We are running a major launch event on the 15th July at the Black Country Museum. This will be a chance for us to showcase the project to schools, businesses and other interested organisations. If you would like to attend please contact Philippa Rowley.