STUDENTS have been given an insight into the world of work thanks to a partnership with a network of Dales employers.
Special sessions for young people, called A Conversation With, were staged at a workshop organised by Wensleydale School and Sixth Form and Lower Wensleydale Business Network.
More than 100 Year 11 and 12 students were offered the opportunity to hear about routes into a variety of careers, ranging from the UK Border Force and North Yorkshire Police to financial services, health and fitness, the automotive industry and marketing.
They heard from delegates about the diversity of entry requirements, opportunities and life-style associated with working.
Assistant head teacher Charlie Burnett said: “Having the support of so many employers provides our students with an invaluable insight into a host of careers. It also helps set their schoolwork in context and offers them an appreciation of the value of what they learn in the classroom.”
So far more than 20 employers from a variety of careers including farming, law, accountancy, IT, estate agency, retail, hospitality and new business start-ups have helped advise students.
David Poole, of the Lower Wensleydale Business Network, which works to promote and support enterprise, said: “It is so important for students to be able to meet people from the business community to explore all the opportunities that may be open to them.”
Taking part in the most recent event were representatives from North Yorkshire Police, UK Border Force, Ripon Land Rover, Partridge Financial Ltd, Fitness4All, Health Fusion and Blue Fizz Marketing and Event Management.
PC Julian Sutcliffe said: “The students were all extremely interested and asked some very insightful questions.”
Border Force officer Adam Smith added: “They were also interested in the various routes into work, particularly apprenticeships and the wider opportunities offered by the Civil Service.”