Firm supports students to prepare for working life
FOLLOWING the model of a programme run very successfully in Nashville, USA, a group of students from Farnborough Academy near Clifton are benefitting from a project which prepares them for working life in a practical, hands-on way.
British Gypsum, based in East Leake, is one of the organisations supporting this scheme.
The company is supporting Year 10 students, who are taking part in a six-week programme of visits to its village site.
Students benefit from a site tour; CV writing training; speed networking; and meeting British Gypsum apprentices and graduates. They will even have a go at plastering to see how the company’s products are used in everyday applications!
And this unique vocational programme is gaining wider attention – the students’ fascinating tour of the East Leake site featured on a BBC news programme which covered their experience of the project at British Gypsum.
Rachel Morris, British Gypsum Sustainability Leader and coordinator of the programme, said: “Companies in Nashville work closely with local schools
because students were leaving education but were not ready to enter the world of work.
“We are trying to replicate that scheme here.
“By engaging with the students and helping them to become ready for work, we are investing in our potential workforce of the
future.”
Clare Watson, deputy head teacher at Farnborough Academy added: “This accelerating confidence project is a great opportunity for a number of pupils in Year 10 to really experience the world of work and develop key employability skills.
“We are very fortunate to have developed a strong relationship with British Gypsum – this visit was a big success and we look forward to future visits and seeing our pupils grow and develop in confidence.”
Among the pupils involved in this visit were Kyra and Dylan and they were of the same opinion, it was great.
Kyra said she had enjoyed the day as it was a great opportunity to learn new things about the business. “It was good to meet a lot of the people who work there and find out about what jobs they did. They were all very friendly and made us feel welcome. Thank you.”
Her colleague Dylan was of the same mind: “It was a great experience and I wish we could have stayed longer! It was good to find out about the number of roles people did when walking around the plant and pick up some interesting facts. Lunch was also great!”
The East Leake company British Gypsum, is part of the SaintGobain group and produces gypsum based systems including plaster, plasterboard and ceiling solutions.