THE INSPIRATION PROGRAMME

HANDS-ON CAREERS EDUCATION

The Inspiration Programme gives students direct access to employers and real life situations

When it comes to learning about different career paths, nothing compares to hearing directly from real-life professionals. Having access to people in various fields means students can ask detailed questions about these careers, what the day-to-day work looks like, what they need to know, learn or have an interest in, and how they can take steps to get there. However, for many schools, establishing valuable links to professionals from a wide variety of sectors can be challenging.

Introducing The Inspiration Programme provides schools with assistance in unpacking a wide range of career opportunities, invaluable for their students.  With broadened students’ aspirations, they are encouraged and more receptive to consider further education and employment opportunities.

Well-rounded careers education should demonstrate direct links to the foundation subjects within the curriculum, while linking to the real world. With this in mind, one of the most important parts of careers education and support is to provide students with the opportunity to engage in meaningful experiences with an added emphasis on allowing students to leave the classroom and enter real-life situations.

Making a change

With an overall goal of better equipping young people for the world of work, The Inspiration programme focuses on helping students to understand what their role in society is and to realise their future potential. Through this, the Programme enhances existing provisions and creates brand new opportunities for young people. This includes giving access to important elements of our community: work life, arts and culture, police and criminal justice, community and environment as well as personal health and wellbeing.

For example, young people can be properly supported through effective training on the importance of welfare. It’s vital to give young people an understanding of just how important mental health is as well as physical health to their overall wellbeing, and what factors can contribute to this. This could include a combination of workshops, seminars and practical sessions so that students engage with the course from numerous perspectives. For example, approaches could vary from a workshop exploring the topic of self-confidence, a visit to an active fire station to learn about the importance of fire safety during an emergency or a discussion on various communication methods and the impact this can have on mental health and overall wellbeing. An open dialogue on wellbeing is equally as important as gaining real-life experiences that can better prepare students for the world of work.

Play Video

Video courtesy of ITV News Meridian: Taking on the role of police officers, these young people on The Inspiration Programme were part of a simulated raid on a make shift house to search the premises and arrest anyone found there.

Mark was an unmotivated Year 12 student, regularly missing classes and becoming a habitual truant until he was introduced to The Inspiration Programme by his school. The changes in his communication skills, relationship with other students, engagement levels in class sessions and on trips to employment partners were clear to see. The value he attributed to these changes, is summarised when the school suggested to Mark that he can only continue with the Programme if he started to attend his other lessons.

Mark, The Inspiration Programme participant 

Talk to us about filling the gap in delivery within your school's career experience and enrichment activities

Please contact Emily Davis, Director of Programmes on 0300 003 2334 or email [email protected]
Alternatively, enter your contact details below to register your interest and we’ll contact you.

Real Stories

Real stories and contributions from young people, parents, staff, members and partners – inspiring young people to become inspiring young people. | All Stories

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