Engineering firms to launch work experience ‘summer camp’ for teenagers

The Sheffield-based charity Business and Enterprise South Yorkshire is funded by industry, and aims to encourage school pupils and college students to consider careers with local firms.

It already runs work experience programmes with some of the region’s biggest employers and said the summer camp would provide a “structured two-week programme” for 14 to 16-year-olds.

The launch will take place as part of the first day of Sheffield’s Global Manufacturing Festival, which is being staged to showcase South Yorkshire as a potential base for manufacturers.

Until now, work experience is offered in term time, but it is thought students would prefer to take part during the holidays.

Mark Webber, of Tinsley Bridge, a company which has offered work experience through the charity’s Work-Wise scheme in the past, said developing young talent was key to business success.

He added: “Developing skills in the engineering and manufacturing sector is important to the region’s future and demonstrating the potential for careers has to start early.

“Feedback from the current work-wise programme has shown there is a demand to also run work-wise during the school holidays. We are delighted to be an active participant to provide young people with a valuable taster of real working environments.”

John Barber, business development manager at business and education South Yorkshire who coordinates the Summer Camp added: “Many of our work-wise students have successfully applied for and secured apprenticeships at the companies they were placed at as part of their work experience whilst at school.

“Running the programme during the summer will provide the opportunity for parents to become more involved and will be a valuable and useful alternative to other activity camps.”

For more information on the camps or to register, visit www.be-sy.co.uk/work_wise or call 01709 336 700.