A new initiative known as Bedford Giving is reaching out to local businesses and organisations, encouraging them to participate in its “World of Work” project by offering work experience opportunities.
Bedford Giving represents a collaborative effort involving eight founding partners who have united to create avenues for the youth in Bedford, with the goal of enhancing their future prospects. Their mission involves the implementation of fresh initiatives that bring together individuals and their expertise.
The organisation has already initiated a Volunteer Mentoring Program tailored for 13 to 15-year-olds, aimed at elevating their career aspirations. Currently, mentors are undergoing training, and Bedford Giving’s next project centres on inspiring young individuals through work experience opportunities.
Sam Baker, the Interim Director of Bedford Giving, highlighted the importance of their mission, saying: “Did you know that young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are twice as likely to end up out of education or employment compared to their more privileged peers? Just four or more meaningful interactions with employers can reduce this risk by 86%.”
Offering work experience benefits both the participating organizations and the young individuals placed in these roles. Sam elaborated, stating: “By offering work experience, organisations can build a talent pipeline, gain fresh insights from young minds, enhance their local brand by demonstrating commitment to the next generation, and provide employee development opportunities by supporting work experience students.”
“For the young people, workplace experiences offer them the chance to develop essential skills, explore potential careers, and broaden their horizons and aspirations. However, finding work experience opportunities is often the students’ responsibility, which can be challenging if they lack personal connections.”
Sam continued: “Businesses have expressed interest in offering work experience, but they’ve rarely been approached. That’s where we come in! We’ve been collaborating closely with local schools to enhance our program and expand workplace experience opportunities. Now, we’re actively engaging with and supporting local businesses to increase their involvement. This is where you come in!”
“We’ve created a practical guide for employers, addressing everything they need to know about providing work experience. Frequently, businesses are deterred by concerns about insurance and safety, but we can help navigate these issues with simple solutions.”
Bedford Giving was founded after extensive research involving over 500 residents, including both adults and young people, who were asked about the most significant challenges facing the town. The findings were unequivocal – the welfare of young people emerged as the primary concern. More than half of the responses from young individuals expressed a desire for vocational support, including opportunities for work, apprenticeships, and work placements.
To access the Employer Work Experience Pack and learn more about joining the World of Work Program, please visit www.bedfordgiving.org.uk. You can also watch our video on work experience available on YouTube.
Beds Boro Bulletin Oct 23
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