Member Article

MP backs Work Inspiration Week in Bradford

An awareness week aiming to inspire students across Bradford with their future career choices has been backed by a district MP.

David Ward, the Liberal Democrat MP for Bradford East, has praised the E3 Bradford team for their Bradford Work Inspiration Week initiative which will run from May 20 to 24 with the backing of a raft of businesses and schools.

Work Inspiration Week is run by the team behind the E3 Bradford initiative, which aims to develop, inspire and empower young people to contribute to the economic success of the region.

The initiative will see pupils from at least eight schools and colleges linking up with business leaders for a series of workshops and events to give them a glimpse into the world of work, help them to aspire to jobs that are available and raise awareness of wider opportunities in the City’s priority sectors.

Among the businesses signed up to take part in the scheme are Barclays Bank and architect firm Rance Booth Smith and Lahore, who will be offering students a variety of sessions to help them establish ideas on how the world of work operates.

Laisterdyke Business and Enterprise College developed the ‘Work Inspiration’ model in partnership with Rex Procter & Partners, BT and Incommunities, and about 350 students from eight schools and two colleges will be involved in more than 20 visits this year.

Mr Ward said: “This is a vital project to help the district’s youngsters have a better chance of securing a job when they leave education and motivate them to make their way in business.

“One of the big concerns we have in this district is the transition of young people from education to the world of work.”

“We want our young people to have an idea of what they should be and can be aspiring to achieve and Work Inspiration Week is a crucial scheme in helping them.

“We have a lot of talented young, motivated and skilful people across Bradford and it is vital we do all we can to help them flourish in employment and make a real difference to the economic success of the area going forward.

“I’m sure the initiative will be very successful and will open young people’s eyes to work to give them an idea of the sorts of things they can achieve in the future in Bradford.”

The business-driven, E3 Bradford project supported by Bradford Council and the Bradford Chamber of Commerce is still keen for more businesses and schools alike to pledge their interest in advance of the awareness week, in order to match pupils with a visit to a suitable work place.

Other businesses supporting the week include BASF, Beaumont Robinson, Bradford Chamber, Bradford District Care Trust, Buxton Pickles, Evolve, Gordons LLP, Midland Hotel, Rex Procter & Partners, Sainsbury’s, Lahore Café Bar, NG Bailey and Watson Buckle Accountants.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mark Lane .