Inspiring the Future, a free career insight programme for state school students, has organised an Apprenticeship awareness raising event at Saint George’s School in Gravesend Kent with an array of volunteers from the Civil Service. Twenty-five school students aged 16 – 18 attended the session and had open conversations with the volunteers about their jobs and experiences.
This follows last month’s announcement by the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Matthew Hancock, that government will work with other employers to develop a new standard measures of socio-economic background. This is part of the drive to remove the barriers that prevent more women, people with a disability, those from ethnic minority backgrounds or LGB&Ti communities, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds from achieving their potential and reaching the higher levels of the Civil Service.
Matthew Hancock, Minister for the Cabinet Officer & Paymaster General, said: “Three weeks ago, I outlined that we are embarking on a social mobility mission, and the Civil Service is determined to lead the way.
“Since then, over 500 Civil Servants have signed up to give one hour of their time to schools across the UK and inspire pupils to look at career opportunities in Government.
“We are also continuing our work with major private sector employers to develop a set of national social mobility measures, so we can take action and break down barriers to employment. Our goal is to make sure everyone has the opportunity to succeed and make the most of their talents, whatever the circumstances of their birth.”
Ardy Mahmoudi, Deputy of Business and Financial Studies, Saint George’s C of E School in Gravesend, Kent said: “With the rise of tuition fees and the cost of student living increasing, apprenticeships are an excellent way for students to pursue their career choices and learn at the same time as earning.”
“Students are able to get hands-on approach within their chosen career path which can open up many doors that will help their own self-development, but at the same time they are contributing to society. One of the best elements of an apprenticeship is that students will not be left with thousands of pounds of debt and they will be contributing towards the UK economy as working tax payers.”
Last year the school received an award from the Department for Education for being in the ‘top 100’ schools for the progress made by disadvantaged students.
Ian Chiverton, Criminal & Financial Investigations at the Home Office and Inspiring the Future volunteer, said about talking to the students: “It was an inspiring opportunity to help young people determine their future. I enjoyed ‘giving a bit back’ and hope it goes some way to making a difference with career decisions.”