Master Cutler

Employers complain these students are totally unprepared for the future.

In Sheffield, the Cutlers’ Company began addressing this issue some time ago.

In 2011, we started an education programme with two schools and 24 students concentrating on the engineering and manufacturing sector.

This rapidly evolved into a Better Learners, Better Workers scheme, which is also supported by Sheffield Council, with schools across the region creating scores of young Ambassadors in a variety of workplaces including the NHS and construction as well as manufacturing.

Every participant was introduced to the world of work through mentoring, workshops and team building days, gaining work experience and lifelong learning skills in manufacturing and engineering companies, construction businesses, retail outlets and the NHS.

On completion of the programme, at a special ceremony at Cutlers’ Hall, in front of mentors, teachers, parents and friends, every Ambassador receives a passport showing what skills they have developed and where progress is still needed.

To date, more than 1,000 young people have been through the scheme, which has not only prepared them for work, but has also improved attendance and academic attainment in many cases.

This is important: the Sheffield City Region needs to continue to improve its skills base to attract more investment to ensure that industry here thrives as it should.

The young people who live here are an essential part of the Region’s continuing success story as evidenced by the growth of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in attracting high-profile companies prepared to make a significant investment in the area.

The Cutlers’ Company is delighted to be part of this through our education programme, which is currently being adapted to continue to be effective in an ever-changing situation.

From September 2020, the BLBW scheme will be delivered over a 12-month period and will comprise a taster programme within multiple sectors – engineering/manufacturing, healthcare and construction.

The best aspects of the two-year programme will be included but the shorter timeframe will add to its coherence and improve its effectiveness for both schools and employers.

It is focused on Year 9 pupils. However, there will be some activity in Year 8 to encourage the whole cohort to take an interest in their future through teamwork, skills-based activities and workplace visits.

By giving the students more experience of a variety of work environments, they will be in a better position to decide on their options for employment.

It is important all our young people reach their full potential and we are committed to continuing to work with schools to ensure this happens.

However, it should be recognised by all that encouraging them to develop their skills and talents not only benefits them, but also benefits the Sheffield City Region as a whole.

A strong, well-motivated, well-prepared local workforce will, in turn, make the region a very attractive place with which to do business.

This month, I shall present 75 students with their official ambassador passports charting their success in the programme.

If you have any doubts as to what this region has to offer, then make a date in your diary – Wednesday, March 25.

And head for the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham to see South Yorkshire’s largest private sector skills showcase event.

Get up to Speed with science, technology, engineering and manufacturing, which has been designed to inspire students from aged eight to 25 to take up careers in STEM industries.