WEST Midlands teachers took part in a national programme aimed at improving young people’s career opportunities.
The first Teacher Encounters event in the region was led by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), together with the Careers and Enterprise Company, and looked to connect teachers with local businesses allowing them to explore future job opportunities for their students.
A range of businesses, from SMEs to major multinationals, were at the event at Faithful and Gould’s Birmingham offices at Paradise Circus, before they travelled to Birmingham Airport for job demonstrations in the afternoon.
Teachers learnt how major corporations, local supply chain, and public-facing clients worked together on a variety of projects.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, said they were keen to ensure local people of all ages were aware of the wide variety of employment pathways open to them and to make sure they were given the right support to build a successful career for themselves.
“These efforts can start at a school age and we want to equip teachers with the knowledge to suitably advise their students on the array of options out there after they leave formal education.”
Coun George Duggins, WMCA portfolio lead for skills and productivity and leader of Coventry City Council, added: “Ensuring educators are raising proper awareness of the different careers and pathways provided in the West Midlands, such as apprenticeships, is vital in creating the next generation of skilled workers that businesses want and need.
“This series of Teachers Encounters events sensibly establishes a deep relationship between local employers and schools so that students can make fully informed decisions about their future learning, training and career choices.”
