Executives looking to improve work experience

THE chief executive of Northern Foods is among business leaders from Yorkshire helping to make work experience more interesting and challenging for young people.

Stefan Barden is one of 50 executives in Yorkshire taking part in a national campaign to encourage businesses to improve the placements they offer.

The Work Inspiration drive, spearheaded by Business in the Community and the Government, is designed to help bridge the gap between the classroom and world of work.

Mr Barden attended the campaign’s Big Conversation event in Leeds on Friday and met teenagers to talk about their experiences of work placements.

Other business leaders present included Steve Radcliffe of Clugston, Nick Hildyard of Arco, David Schofield of Aviva, Brian Brodie of HML, Nick Garthwaite of Siemens, Adrian Budgen of Irwin Mitchell and Herwig Vennekens of Haribo Dunhills.

Speaking at the event, Ed Balls, the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, said: “We know that work experience can make a real difference to young people, offering them the crucial skills and experience they need to prepare for the world of work.

“Employers also have a lot to gain because they are helping to build a skilled workforce for the future.

“I’d like to say a special thank you to Northern Foods, Kingston Communications, Yorkshire Bank, Marshalls and Harrogate Hospital for the work they’ve been doing with Business in the Community to help shape relevant and inspiring work experience for young people.I hope the Big Conversation in Leeds will encourage many more employers to get involved across the region.”

In the campaign, employers are shown how to improve their work experience activities.

The Young People’s Enterprise Forum, which helped organise the event, said:“Businesses that succeed in giving young people a broader understanding of the different roles within an organisation are helping to create a more confident and ‘job ready’ generation.”