Education bosses are appealing for businesses to give work experince to 14- and 15-year-olds.

Placements are needed in different industries.

Employed.im coordinates the programme for the Department for Education, Sport and Culture and is currently co-ordinating placements for the end of May and in June and July.

Before pupils attend a placement, employed.im staff will visit workplaces to complete a health and safety inspection, including covering Covid-19 protocols, advise what work to set students and will help to match the youngster with every placement.

In 2020 the pandemic meant that almost 1,000 students were not able to complete work experience missing out on learning about workplaces.

Helen Hillier, work experience co-ordinator, said: ’Although we are currently in lockdown, we are expecting to be able to provide work experience as normal to our Year 10 students.

’Work experience is a crucial part of the curriculum; it provides students with the opportunity to gain real world experience, interact with adults in the workplace and can even help with shaping their future career goals.

’We are always grateful for different types of organisations from across the island offering work placements to students.

’It provides employers an opportunity to showcase the wide range of jobs available on island and helps to inspire our workforce of the future. If your business would like to take part in the work experience programme, I will work with you to ensure that your company can offer a meaningful placement to our island’s students.’

For more information email Mrs Hillier on [email protected].