Sefton work experience programme supports 2,824 students

Sefton Council Leader Cllr Marion Atkinson has praised the success of Elevate Education Business Partnership's (EBP) work experience programme, which has helped thousands of young people gain experience in the workplace over the past school year.

New figures from Elevate EBP show that 2,824 students took part in work experience placements this year. They were supported by 1,043 businesses, which gave young people the chance to learn new skills, build confidence and find out more about the world of work.

Sefton Council has worked closely with Elevate EBP to support work experience opportunities for local young people and strengthen links between schools and employers. Elevate EBP has also found that the work experience placements provided by Sefton Council created almost £400,000 of social value this year.

Cllr Atkinson said:
"These are fantastic results and I would like to congratulate everyone at Elevate EBP on their achievements over the last year.

"The large number of students taking part, and the many businesses supporting them, shows what can be achieved when organisations work together to help young people succeed.

"Work experience helps young people grow in confidence, learn new skills and understand more about the jobs and careers that may be available to them in the future.

"It is also great to see the positive impact this programme is having. Every placement gives a young person the chance to learn something new and get ready for working life."

Elevate EBP's programme gives students the chance to take part in real workplace activities. These experiences help them improve skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving.

Joanne Huddart, Elevate EBP's Head of Employability, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Sefton Council, and to every employer who has opened their doors to a young person this year. Behind these impressive figures are thousands of individual young people who have grown in confidence, developed valuable skills and gained a clearer sense of what their future could look like.

“We are very proud of what this partnership has achieved and look forward to building on its success, working even more closely with the Council and local employers to expand these opportunities so that many more young people across the Liverpool City Region can benefit.”

During the year, businesses and organisations from across the public, private and voluntary sectors supported placements and workplace visits. These opportunities helped young people learn about different careers and industries.

Cllr Atkinson added:
"Sefton Council is proud to support this important programme.

"We know that good quality work experience can make a real difference to a young person's future. We will continue to work with Elevate EBP and local employers to create opportunities for young people across Sefton.

"I would also like to thank all the businesses and organisations that have taken part. Giving young people time and support in the workplace can have a lasting impact on their lives."

Elevate EBP works with schools, colleges and employers across the Liverpool City Region to provide work experience, workplace visits and careers activities that help young people make choices about their future.

People can find more information about Elevate EBP, atwww.elevate-ebp.co.uk