New Careers Guidance programme launches in Dorset

Education Development Trust is working in partnership with Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to deliver a new careers guidance programme funded via the Effective Transition Fund. The Dorset Marvels programme will test approaches on how providing long-term targeted careers guidance in Key Stage 4 can enable students to transition to, and sustain, engagement in a high-quality post-16 destination.

Emerging evidence reveals that younger workers and young people about to enter the workforce are among those most affected by the impact of the pandemic on the labour market. There is a growing concern that these young people are falling out of the education, employment or training systems and that preventative support is required for those most at risk.

Education Development Trust’s careers advisers will deliver quality careers guidance, employability support and work-related learning via fortnightly interventions to around 130 young people, across ten schools. The programme will run from June 2022 whilst students are in Year 10, until February 2024, to ensure that each student is settled into their post-16 destination.

Bespoke support will be provided to each student to help them increase their motivation and confidence and overcome any barriers they may face in achieving a successful transition.

Education Development Trust are encouraging any employers based in Dorset, who could support students to experience the world of work, to contact the programme Relationship Manager, Wendy Phillips at dorsetmarvels@educationdevelopmenttrust.com or via LinkedIn.

Mark De Backer, Deputy Director (Young People) Employability & Careers at Education Development Trust, commented:

“The transition point from Year 11 to post-16 is a critical one, decisions made strongly influencing the career direction these young people will take. Good careers guidance, with regular review and support, has the power to help young people make informed choices and understand the changing labour market. Combined with having the opportunity for high quality work experience, a known reducer of unemployment, we believe will provide the best chance of success for the young people taking part in the programme”.

Rebecca Davies, Head of Enterprise, Skills and Industry, Dorset LEP, commented:

“This project will support young people across Dorset achieve positive outcomes with tailored interventions and professional Careers Advice & Guidance on a consistent basis. With many young people coping with challenges in education, we aim to target those in need and offer intensive support that will raise aspirations and provide a stepping-stone for their future career”

If you are interested in finding out more about the programme, please contact us on dorsetmarvels@educationdevelopmenttrust.com.

Related Content

Article

EDT partners with Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Councils to support refugees to find work in the UK through new programme

We are excited to announce that EDT is a partner in the launch of the People Hub Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (CIOS), and our specialism is to support refugees to find work, retrain or upskill.

Insights

The future direction for careers in England: maximising opportunities for personalised guidance within school and beyond

During National Careers Week in the UK, Mark De Backer, EDT’s Deputy Director for Young People’s Services, considers whether 2024 could be the year that England shapes its careers system’s future. While there have been promising steps forward in shaping England’s careers provision in recent years, there remain significant opportunities for improvement.

Article

EDT partners with Cornwall Council to support disadvantaged young people on Yep! Youth Engagement Programme

We are delighted to announce that EDT is a partner in the launch of the Yep! Youth Engagement Programme, which will build the confidence, resilience, and skills of disadvantaged young people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, UK, helping them to move into employment, education, or training.

Insights

What does lifelong learning mean for careers guidance?

Lifelong learning – learning beyond compulsory schooling – can be an important factor in enhancing an individual’s employability and personal development, as well as social inclusion and active citizenship. As part of Lifelong Learning Week, this article examines the connection between lifelong learning and careers guidance.