‘WE4U’ Campaign Seeks Local Businesses

A new campaign encouraging local employers to offer work experience to young people and school leavers has been launched by Stevenage Youth Council.

The campaign called ‘WE4U’ has been set up to highlight the importance of work experience for personal development, greater independence and self-awareness, as well as learning about the world of work first hand.

Almost four in ten (39%) young people in Stevenage have not had the chance to take part in work experience of any kind, according to a recent survey. The closure and downsizing of many local businesses has resulted in a loss of support from previous key businesses, such as IBM, AVC and Dixons.

John McBride, Employment and Skills Co-ordinator for Youth Connexions Hertfordshire, said: ‘There is a need to increase the number and variety of businesses that can currently offer places in order to improve the range of choices for students.’

Through the ‘WE4U’ campaign, the aim is to engage more local businesses from a range of sectors to offer work experience to young people - by providing a greater range of companies offering work placements and apprenticeships, a wider selection of young people and their ambitions can be catered for.

Stevenage Youth Council, which holds two permanent seats on Stevenage Borough Council, has been running for almost 14 years. It believes new opportunities for placements, especially in specialist fields, can help young people and students make informed decisions on future career paths, as well as give them key skills that can lead to greater employability.

Companies interested in offering work experience opportunities that will support a young person in their transition from school to work can contact John McBride on 01438 844109 or email john.mcbride@hertfordshire.gov.uk

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