Around three thousand school pupils across Gainsborough will attend two aspirational careers assemblies before the end of this academic year to introduce them to the world of work.
The Greater Lincolnshire LEP’s Careers Hub, Lincolnshire County Council’s Gainsborough Aspiration Project, the STEM Ambassador Programme and West Lindsey District Council have teamed up to help schools in the DN21 postcode to develop better links with local businesses.
Nineteen employers in the area have volunteered to get involved, which means that every child in the DN21 postcode will attend two aspirational assemblies before the summer, helping to raise their aspirations and shine a light on possible career options available to them.
The project has a particular focus on primary aged children and links in to the Department for Education’s careers-related learning pilot programme Start Small; Dream Big.
The 3,000 young people will have the opportunity to engage with someone from the world of work, improving their awareness, confidence and appreciation of careers in their local area. The initiative will also help to challenge stereotypes associated with different jobs.
“During the last two weeks of every half term over 3,000 local children from 19 schools, aged from five to 18, will experience employer encounters that we hope will inspire, raise and broaden our young people’s aspirations,” said Angie Waplington, Project Manager at the Gainsborough Aspiration Project.
“This has been a good example of how education, the district council and local businesses can come together to improve outcomes.”
Alex Nightingale from the LEP’s Careers Hub said: “This collaboration has been great to be a part of – it’s been fantastic to see our network embrace working predominantly with primary schools.
“The aspirational assemblies initiative enhances our work with primary schools through our Start Small; Dream Big programme. Huge thanks to West Lindsey District Council for taking the lead on co-ordinating the activity.”
Shayleen Towns from West Lindsey District Council commented: “The timing of the Gainsborough Aspiration Project and Start Small; Dream Big provided the perfect platform to fulfil a dream I’ve held to inspire children within one of our most vulnerable areas of the district, inspiring young minds to help create a better future.
“West Lindsey District Council is playing an enabling role in this successful partnership and I am really excited to see where this successful beginning in 2024 can take us.”
Jacqui Elton from the STEM Ambassador Partnership added: “We are absolutely delighted to support Greater Lincolnshire’s Career and Enterprise Company.
“Working collaboratively on aspirational assemblies and the Start Small; Dream Big initiative as part of the Gainsborough Aspirational Project will not only herald a unique approach to tackling embedded local issues but also drive forward multiple interconnected agendas for the benefit of the community.
“We are committed to inspiring young minds and fostering a passion for STEM subjects. Together, we are helping to shape a brighter future for our community and look forward to further partnership working.”
Employers involved in the aspirational assemblies include Walnut Care, Morgan Sindall, SRC UK, Steve Dixon, LEAD Teaching School, Travel Counsellors, Andy Wilson Financial Services, North Lindsey College, the University of Lincoln, Ladies in Pigs, the NHS, Codal, NHS Project Choice, Ørsted, eComOne, Inzpire and Bishop Grosseteste University.
