| Activity Title: Equal Choices Schools Initiative |
 |
Ethnic minority Year 9 students are hosted by employers for an Introduction to Work Day and a Work Shadow Day, experiencing the working environment and undertaking tasks in the work context. |
| User feed back: |
'students had gained so much confidence especially by the reveiw day'. (sir frank)
'the whole programme was well organised and the students who were involved really enjoyed the activities over the 2 days at the college. all the feedback from the students has been really positive. it has been lovely to see how they feel and know what they have achieved over the time. it has been a wonderful learning experience for them all. (sir frank) |
| |
| Who is the activity for: |
Year 9 minority ethnic students. |
| Number of hours/days: |
2.5 days (usually over the course of a week). |
| Funded by: |
No charge to schools. Sliding scale of contributions from participating employers: Abbey (founder company), MK College, Open University, MK Council (founder company, Foreign and Commonwealth Office(FCO Services) and Bucks Fire & Rescue. |
| Programme outline |
Students are hosted by one of the participating employers for 2 days. On the Introduction to Work Day the students learn about their link company, the world of work in general and gain an understanding of the range of job opportunities available. On the Work Shadow Day, the students are split into pairs and attached to an employee of the link company, the 'mentor', who they 'work shadow' for the day. Students experience the working environment and undertake work tasks in the work context. Students then host their mentors for a half-day review session at the school where students feedback on their experiences of the programme. |
| Strengths |
Students get a broader understanding of the job opportunities available in MK. Raises career aspirations and builds confidence of young people from minority ethnic groups by giving them insight into working life. Students awarded with a certificate to acknowledge successful participation. |
| |
| Curriculum |
Work-Related Learning
1. Skills for Employability**
2. Understanding of work**
3. The way businesses operate*
4. Awareness of employment opportunities**
5. Understanding career choices**
6. Undertake tasks in work contexts**
7. Learn from contact with business people**
8. Experience the working environments*
9. Engage with business ideas & challenges*
KEY SKILLS
Working With Others**
|
| Criteria for assessing programme |
Students complete a logbok during their 2 day placement. |
| Number and range of users to date |
8 MK Secondary Schools - Denbigh, Stantonbury, Sir Frank Markham, St Paul's, Lord Grey, Radcliffe, Shenley Brook End and Leon. |
| More feedback |
"Equal Choices is a brilliant programme for students. It is an opportunity to meet other people and see what work life is all about. I would definitely recommend it to other students' - student, 2004. 'All the activities and feedback from the student have been positive. It has been lovely to see how they feel and know what they have achieved over the time. It has been a wonderful learning experience for them all'. - Pat Hamilton, Sir Frank Markham. |
