LINKS with local businesses led to a successful Careers Enrichment week for the second year running at Parkside School.

The aim of the programme was to ensure students understood the kind of key ‘employability’ skills so they could make informed choices about the world of work.

The week focused on the practical aspects of applying for a job, a review of their skills and qualities related to specific jobs, an update of labour market information. There was also a workplace visit and a one-to-one head interview with a local employer.

Joanne Sykes, assistant head at the Cullingworth school, said: “The school has worked hard to build up a wide range of employer partnerships from all key employment sectors to ensure students gain a deeper understanding of the different roles, opportunities and career paths available to them.”

Joanne said students’ feedback was extremely positive.

She added: “Some were taken completely out of their comfort zone but benefited from the experience. Some students have changed their perception of applying for an apprenticeship as a possible route into a successful career.

“Parkside School would like to express their sincere thanks to all those local businesses that support the school by either offering a workplace visit or giving up valuable time to interview our students.

“The world of work can be quite intimidating for our young people but through these partnerships barriers are being broken down and aspirations raised.”