Children’s Capital of Culture

Children’s Capital of Culture (CCoC) provides young people in Rotherham with an opportunity to help shape Rotherham’s future by offering to support them in their chosen creative career path and cultural sectors. With the help of local cultural partners, CCoC delivered a pilot Young Producer programme, which offered 16–25-year-olds a paid part-time traineeship.

Rotherham Council’s Events Team employed Eleanor on a traineeship, where she had the opportunity to work with Kaleider, an art studio, to create a large Fish Mobile which is now touring around the world. Eleanor has also worked with a national arts organisation to support the young people of Rotherham through interactive, creative activities. Eleanor is now working at Flux Rotherham and Long Division helping to deliver brand content and programme activities across Wakefield.

Before coming across an advert for the CCoC traineeship, Brad had studied Music Technology at university before Employment Solutions helped him apply for a part-time job in the creative industry. For his presentation Brad brought his guitar to share his passion and interest in the creativity industry. Brad is now employed as a Creative Producer at Wentworth Woodhouse and is enjoying his job. The support he received helped him overcome his barriers and improve his confidence.

Find out more about Children’s Capital of Culture. 

Journey into a new career

Are you looking to change careers or need help changing your working circumstances? Advance Rotherham is a free service designed to help people progress into their chosen career.

Liam was working two jobs when he was referred to the Advance team. Supported by Advance, he explored changing his career to better fit his living circumstances.

The Advance team invited Liam to a recruitment event organised by delivery partners and colleagues, the Inspire team.

Inspired by the event, Liam successfully applied for a driving role with Stagecoach and is completing his training to become a qualified bus driver. Liam is very excited about his new job and grateful for the support received from Advance and Inspire.

Find out more about Advance Rotherham on their Facebook page or email AdvanceRMBC@Rotherham.gov.uk.

For further information about Inspire email Inspireteam@rotherham.gov.uk or call 01709 808020.

Apprenticeships as a career pathway

As part of National Apprenticeship week, 120 students from Wath Academy took part in workshops to enhance their knowledge of apprenticeships.

The sessions were delivered by Amazing Apprenticeships, representatives from RNN Group, and apprentices working for local employers. Students from Year 9 and 11 learned about the benefits of apprenticeships and the myths surrounding them. Students also had the opportunity to speak to apprentices working in different industry sectors to hear about their experience, learn how to be successful in an interview and ask questions about whether this is the right route for them to take.

Following the workshop, students reported that they valued the opportunity to learn more about apprenticeships. Many left the sessions having fresh ideas about the numerous benefits of learning through an apprenticeship, which include gaining experience of the world of work, whilst earning and gaining a qualification at the same time.

Speaking directly with apprentices, allowed the students to explore progression opportunities in various sectors. The apprenticeship workshop pilot was successful and will be rolled out to schools across Rotherham.

Find out more about apprenticeships.

If you are looking for an apprenticeship, speak to your career’s advisor in school or college. If you are 16-18 email ambition@rotherham.gov.uk, or if you are over 18 contact employmentsolutions@rotherham.gov.uk.

Entering the world of work

B&E Together is working with local schools and businesses to ensure young people have access to meaningful work experience opportunities. The programme has seen over 700 students in Rotherham complete work experience placements to develop their skills and get ready for the world of work.

Jamie’s work placement at a manufacturing organisation let him broaden his knowledge in production, packing, engineering, and IT. During his placement Jamie gained an insight into the company’s operations as well as what to expect in a working environment. This helped Jamie adapt to fit into their business and apply his skills in a professional work environment. Jamie is now looking to access career advice to decide on his next steps.

Katie completed her work experience in a retail organisation, carrying out various administrative roles as well as packaging products in the warehouse. In her placement Katie learnt about the different areas of the company and enhanced her skills in a work environment. Katie was also able to boost her confidence and improve her communication skills during her placement. Now, Katie is exploring her post 16 options for her chosen career.

Find out more about the B&E Together’s  work experience programme.

If you would like to be involved in their programme, please call 01709 513380 or email info@be-together.co.uk.

Learning about green sector careers

DFN Project SEARCH, Supported Internships delivered through Rotherham opportunities College provide young people with opportunities to develop their skills and confidence through work experience as well as providing an education and health care plan.

Supported Internship students had the opportunity to learn about careers in countryside conservation and management after their Enterprise Advisor had introduced them to the Council’s Countryside Ranger Service. As part of the experience, interns and staff carried out sapling clearance work in Keppels Field Nature to help create a more diverse habitat for wildlife.

“We liked seeing the difference we made after all our hard work! We also enjoyed learning about the importance of the work in order to protect wildlife and the environment.” – Student Intern

“It’s been fantastic to work with the interns. To see a group with such enthusiasm, even in the face of some less-than-ideal weather, was brilliant. Everyone got stuck right into the work.” – Harry, Ranger

The Enterprise Adviser Network is a national initiative that connects schools and colleges to local employers to help prepare young people for the world of work.

Find out more about becoming an Enterprise Adviser.

Find out more information on Supported Internships and other options available to young people with SEND

Building essential employability skills

Students from Newman School took part in a Giant Tetrahedron activity delivered by staff from the national engineering and construction company, NG Bailey.

This fun activity used aspects of maths, science and engineering skills and involved building a 4x4 metre giant tetrahedron structure using only sticks and elastic bands. On the day students used essential skills including teamwork, communication, timekeeping, and problem solving.

“It was wonderful to see how much the pupil’s confidence grew and what it meant to them to be able to build such a large structure, as well as be involved in an employer led activity.” – Enterprise Co-ordinator

Students that took part fed back that they had a fantastic time learning new skills and that they cannot wait to experience it again.

“It was brilliant! Both children and staff were thoroughly involved, and it was great to see the skills that the children developed by taking part in the activities. I would definitely recommend this activity to all schools.” – Teacher, Newman School

If you would like more information or would like to get involved, please call 01709 823853. For schools interested in running activities led by NG Bailey, please email sharon.turner@ngbailey.co.uk.