DurhamWorks programme for schools

DurhamWorks offer support to students in County Durham Schools or who live in County Durham and are aged between 14-16 years old. We offer a variety of support to young people who are referred to us by a school or by another professional.

Referrals

Referrals to our services can come from a school or a professional working with you. If you would like some help to explore options but have not spoken to us before, please contact your school to request support.

If you are a professional working with a young person who would like some help looking at opportunities on a one-to-one basis when they leave school please Contact DurhamWorks providing details about yourself and the young person you are referring.

Year 10 / year 12 - The Workplaces Project (school referrals only)

The Workplaces Project gives identified students in Years 10 and 12 an opportunity to gain a valuable insight into the world of work. The project aims to help students discover the skills and aptitudes that employers value through visits to workplaces.

Students will:

• learn more about the world of work and specific employment sectors
• be encouraged to develop their career goals
• spend time with employees to find out about opportunities and to show them that employment is an achievable goal
• be encouraged to think about a career in emerging employment sectors or those experiencing potential future skill shortages

Identified students will participate in a carefully designed programme, which will consist of the following:

• Preparation - workshops to learn about employment sectors, job roles, entry routes, skills, and abilities that employers value.
• A visit to an employer - a visit will be arranged with an employer covering a specific sector. This will consist of a tour of the workplace and an opportunity to meet with employees, to learn about their experiences of work, as well as their personal employment journeys.
• Review and monitoring - each student who participates in the visit will review their visit with an Employment Coach in order to embed learning and will also receive support to ensure they have a progression plan in place.

(The Workplaces Project is funded through the County Durham Poverty Action group.)

Year 11 - DurhamWorks Programme for Schools (school and professional referrals only)

We support young people in Year 11 to plan and move into sustained post 16 education, employment, or training; thus, enabling them to achieve their full potential. To do this effectively, the service incorporates the following distinct elements:

• Providing information, advice, guidance, and support to young people through qualified Progression Coordinators, Progression Coaches and Progression Mentors.
• Delivering work related learning activities to groups of young people in schools to enable them to develop a greater understanding of the world of work, as well as the skills and attributes that employers value in employees.
• Students will increase their aspirations and motivation, learn about the world of work and expectations of employers, develop their own abilities, and increase their knowledge of job skills.

Additionally, students who have access to one-to-one support will gain an individualised programme of support that can consist of:

• looking at opportunities
• awareness of open days and visits
• career areas and progression routes
• applications to college, training providers, jobs, or apprenticeships
• seeking financial support for college kits and training opportunities
• interview preparation and CV development
• signposting for volunteering opportunities and work experience

If you would like to refer a young person for support (aged 14 to 16) or chat with an adviser please Contact DurhamWorks.

Leaving education

If you are 15 to19 years old and about to leave full time education we offer information, advice, guidance, and support about your career and learning choices. We can support you up to the age of 25 if you have an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP).

Our coaches are qualified careers advisers who work closely with schools, colleges, and employers to ensure you receive the best information, advice, and guidance available.  They also have extensive knowledge of opportunities available and are fully trained in guidance skills to help you make informed decisions about your future.

If you would like support or to chat with an adviser please Contact DurhamWorks.