Pupils aim to boost economy

David Grey, Sheffield’s Master Cutler, has welcomed the latest members of the Made in Sheffield Ambassadors’ programme, which was set up in response to employers’ concerns that many school leavers didn’t have the skills needed to succeed in the workplace.

Many young people had also become disillusioned with work experience because they believed it was too superficial.

In Sheffield, the Company of Cutlers launched a scheme which works with schools to provide teenagers with an insight into the options available.

Its Made in Sheffield Passport to Employment initiative provides a two-year course of work skills training, in conjunction with Sheffield City Council and local schools.

More than 100 13 to 15-year-olds have completed the programme to date, with double the number expected to graduate in the next group.

Other sectors, including health, are now participating in the scheme.

Recent estimates suggest that around one in five youngsters should be encouraged to enter the engineering sector in order to help Britain’s economy grow. Now in its third year, the original engineering and manufacturing element of this “preparation for work” scheme has attracted another 95 students from six schools.

The Master Cutler, David Grey, urged the latest intake of “ambassadors” to keep everyone informed about their experiences.

“Modern manufacturing is an exciting world that goes way beyond engineers, technicians and designers,” he said. “A whole range of expertise is needed to run a manufacturing company - accountants, lawyers, media and marketing personnel.”

The Cutlers’ Company, together with the city council, has created a two year programme which focuses on the transferable skills needed in the workplace; these include literacy, numeracy, communication and creativity, Each school has a business champion who helps to mentor the ambassadors and also acts as the link between the school and business.

George Kilburn, the clerk to the Cutlers’ Company, said the programme also focused on teaching children the “softer skills”.He said it was part of a strategy to rebuild bridges between education and employers.

He added: “It means youngsters from Sheffield are better equipped for work, and companies in Sheffield can find home grown talent to help their businesses grow.”

Supporters of the ambassadors’ programme include Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Trust. The trust’s chairman, Tony Pedder, who is a former Master Cutler, said: “As one of the largest employers in South Yorkshire, it is our duty to support young people by working with schools to supplement the work they are doing to equip their pupils for the world of work.

“The Made in Sheffield initiative is an important partnership between Sheffield Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield City Council and the Cutlers Company to help ensure our young people have the best possible start to their careers. It is a privilege to be part of this exciting development.”

Dr Tim Vorley, a senior lecturer in entrepreneurship at the University of Sheffield’s management school, also supports the scheme. He wants to help children gain “employability skills”.

Mr Vorley highlighted a recent report from Lord Young, which focused on the entrepreneurial spirit in education. It is the latest Government initiative which aims to make sure young people leave education ready to work.