Area Manager Mike Priestley discusses the World of Work project which has just received funding from Allerdale Borough Council.

World of Work is to be delivered in secondary schools across Allerdale, the funding will provide WoW days alongside other information advice and guidance activity.

The project focuses on raising aspirations; Allerdale Borough council in particular liked the emphasis on forthcoming opportunities
in the West’s local labour market, and the fun delivery of employability skills. They also liked the idea that all students in a year group would be able to take part in the day and that employers are heavily involved in the delivery.

The team have run some pilot events in local schools, Cockermouth and Southfield, recently, which means they have evidence of
impact on the lives of young people, parents/carers and their communities. This evidence of impact played an important part in Allerdale Borough Council agreeing to fund the programme.

The days themselves are flexible but involve employers and sector representatives meeting small groups of students, using the speed dating model, while Inspira staff and/or other partners deliver workshops on a carousel basis.

Big thank yous go to Neil Gregg, Emily Payne, Bertha Priestley, Liz Kay, Jennie Garroway, Abi Finley, Esther Smith and Andy Wallam who have all played an important part in the development and delivery of the programme.

We are now waiting on the result of an application to Copeland Community Fund which will enable us to extend consistent delivery across the area.