Kids’ work experience axed over ‘safety’ fears

YOUNGSTERS hoping to carry out work experience this summer have had their hopes dashed on “safety” grounds.

Parents in Gwynedd and Anglesey have reacted angrily after being told by letter that Year 10 and 12 secondary schools pupils will not be able to take advantage of the week-long placements.

The letter reveals the decision follows the termination of a Welsh Government contract with Careers Wales to check the suitability of work experience locations.

It states: “Gwynedd and Anglesey education authorities have worked together to get a system that would ensure that each location has been checked to a standard that would ensure the safety of your child. The national guidance of the need to check locations to a specific standard is unclear. Therefore the authorities’ decision, in conjunction with Gwynedd and Anglesey secondary school headteachers, is to not offer work experience for your child this year to ensure safety before everything else.”

Parents across both counties are claiming cash savings are more important than their children’s education.

One parent of a Year 10 pupil said: “Work experience is a vital part of their education and can hugely affect their career choices. The local community need to know how the cutbacks are affecting our children.

“It is also very unprofessional behaviour, having asked the children to sort out work experience with businesses and companies and then turn round and tell them they can’t go.

“Businesses and companies go to great lengths to accommodate these children and offer priceless experience – to turn these offers down is disrespectful.”

Another parent added: “My son gained a valuable insight into the world of work when he was in Year 10 and again when he was in Year 12. I am certain the experience assisted him in his choice of career in the health service.

“To deny my youngest child the same experiences is short-sighted and penny pinching on behalf of Gwynedd council, who have never asked parents their opinion on the matter.”

A spokesman on behalf of both councils said: “The education authority and schools of both counties recognise the value of the work experience scheme, and the decision not to provide it for this year has not been made without serious consideration.

“The authorities and schools appreciate this is disappointing news, but the decision was inevitable given the circumstances.”

Conwy council have also axed placements over the same issue, but Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham councils failed to respond when approached by our sister paper the Daily Post.