LOCAL students had an insight into working for a local business thanks to the launch of a new ‘Opening Doors for Business scheme’ in Redditch.
The scheme has been organised by NWedR (North Worcestershire Economic Development and Regeneration) – the shared economic development and regeneration service for Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest local authorities, and the RSA Academy.
More than 100 middle and high school pupils visited local employers in groups to get a feel for the range of different workplaces in the area.
Students from Church Hill, Ipsley and Arrow Vale RSA Academies and Trinity High visited different organisations and gained an insight into how day to day business is carried out and meet people who work there.
During the Open Doors week, students had a mixture of experiences including making a spring, planning a police investigation and seeing how highly mechanised manufacturing facilities work.
One group also visited the Palace Theatre in Redditch to see how it works backstage.
As part of the visits, employers talked about the variety of careers available locally and what they look for when recruiting.
Students from Church Hill Middle school visited Micro Springs & Presswork on Enfield Industrial Estate as part of the scheme.
Staff member Jenny Lewis from Church Hill Middle School said: “Workplace visits are so important for our students to see outside their four walls.
“Often they’re very blinkered in their own environments so they can’t see what else is out there to help them make a decision for their future.”
Andy Bywater of NWedR added: “Employer support for the project has been strong across the borough and we are looking at the possibility of extending the programme over the whole of the academic year, rather than focusing on one fortnight a year.”
