Medway Education Business Partnership
WORK EXPERIENCE INNOVATION IN THE FACE OF NEW CHALLENGES
MEBP HAS BEEN SUPPORTING THE MEDWAY ECONOMIC COMMUNITY FOR OVER 30 YEARS , CREATING EFFECTIVE PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN SCHOOLS AND BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS TO PREPARE YOUNG PEOPLE FOR WORK AND CITIZENSHIP .
We deliver a range of developmental activities , including STEM ( Science , Technology , Engineering and Maths ) projects and workshops , employability skills development , extended placements in industry and work experience .
Work experience is our flagship activity and arguably as vital to young people ’ s development as their formal qualifications . Over the years we have supported many thousands of employers and students in the delivery of a wide range of experiences of the workplace ; ensuring both parties gain the maximum benefits from participation .
The Covid-19 pandemic is clearly a serious threat to young people ’ s career prospects , particularly the most disadvantaged . Against the extraordinary challenges they will face in the future , it has never been more important that they participate in meaningful experiences of the workplace , if they are to have the best chance of a successful career .
We have been compelled to rethink the future of work experience in the mid and longer term ; increasing numbers of employers and employees are working from home , or spending limited time in the workplace , and many are likely to carry on doing so even after the crisis has passed . Employers are under enormous pressure to provide placements to support a wide range of educational courses and initiatives and one or two week long visits to the workplace will become increasingly difficult to arrange .
There are numerous available virtual work experience programmes and whilst valuable , they do not support live interaction with local employers . VWex Kent and Medway , our new virtual work experience programme , is designed to allow face-to-face communication with suitable employers , providing meaningful experiences in a safe environment , with clear outcomes and limited disruption to employers . Online experiences and encounters can also teach young people about digital skills , teamwork and communication in an environment which has increasing relevance for workplaces .
We see a future where virtual placements run alongside actual blocks of time in the workplace , taking some of the strain off busy employers and ensuring all young people ’ s continued progression to employment and training .
Employers are already seeing the benefits of virtual placements . Richard Judge of BorgWarner – Gillingham said ;
“ As a major employer in the region with a need for specialist skills , we understand the benefit of engaging with students through innovative work experience programs and STEM events . This connection gives our engineers the opportunity to help mentor the next generation , providing the chance for both staff and students to learn and grow . Participation in these activities also helps raise our profile within the local community and promotes us as a local employer ”.
To find out more about the project contact Toni Clarke on 07887535176 or email toni @ mebp . org .
www . mebp . org
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