04 November 2008

Cumbrian students encouraged to take a year in industry

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) in collaboration with the Engineering Development Trust Northwest (EDT) is hosting an event to encourage more young people in Cumbria to take a ‘Year in Industry’ and see how many exciting careers are available within the region.

Taking place at the Sellafield Visitor Centre on 18th November 2008, 12pm - 4pm, the event is open to year 13 (upper sixth) students looking to achieve their potential within the region’s important engineering, science and technology sectors.

Students will have the opportunity to meet representative’s from 100 top Cumbrian organisations looking to recruit talented pupils in 2009/10, while hearing from students currently taking part in the programme.

A Year in Industry is an unrivalled opportunity for students to take part in a structured, paid for, degree relevant role that is fully supported by industry professionals. Students are able to develop their personal and professional skills, while learning more about industry and preparing for academia.

The event is part of the NWDA’s £1m Industry Placements Project, which will run from 2008 to 2011. The project aims to inspire young people into the Science, Engineering and Technology related careers by giving them access to work related programmes at key stages of their development, inevitably leading to an increased graduate retention within the region.

Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive at the NWDA said:

“This event is one of a number of initiatives that is supported by the NWDA to provide young people with first hand experience in the world of work.

“By taking a year in industry, students are able to develop their employability skills, technical knowledge and understanding. The placements also provide an opportunity for employers to develop a relationship with students and education providers, in order to promote recruitment and retention once they graduate.”

Stephen Russell, Business Development Manager, EDT (North) said:

“The partnership between NWDA and EDT North is already providing highly talented young people the opportunity to secure real work placements in their home region and encourage the retention of high level STEM skills which are seen as key to Cumbria’s future. We hope that this event will encourage more companies to explore the real business benefits EDT promote.”

To attend the event at Sellafield Visitor Centre, please call Anna O'Rourke at EDT on 0191 416 5656

Places are free, however numbers are restricted.

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Notes to editors:

Agenda

12:00  Year 13 students from Cumbrian schools that are considering a Year in Industry for 09/10 are invited to attend an information session which will include presentations from EDT, current YINI students and a participating Cumbrian company. 

13:00 Students and Company representatives will be given an opportunity to network and explore local opportunities. Exhibition stands will be attended by representatives from Cumbrian businesses, National Skills Academies and each of the four EDT schemes available in Cumbria. This session is open to participating and prospect companies alike and will last for 90 minutes.

Refreshments will be served.

14:30 Company representatives are invited to attend an information session that will look more broadly at EDT's continuum of student engagement, particularly Go4SET and the Northwest sponsorship available to companies taking part for the first time. This session will also see short presentations from students and a participating company.

16:00     Close

For further information please contact Shelley Tattersall, Press Officer on 01925 400256 or mobile 07500 128482 or shelley.tattersall@nwda.co.uk
For urgent out of hours press enquiries please call 01925 400259.
For further information and to view previous press releases visit us at www.nwda.co.uk/press

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest and is responsible for:

• Supporting business growth and encouraging investment
• Matching skills provision to employer needs
• Creating the conditions for economic growth
• Connecting the region through effective transport and communication infrastructure
• Promoting the region’s outstanding quality of life

About EDT

The EDT is an education charity that helps talented young people achieve their full potential, particularly in engineering, science and technology careers.  The Trust  runs four schemes,  providing opportunities for 12-21 year old students to improve their technical and employment skills through industry-led projects, industrial placements and specialised courses: Go4SET, Engineering Education Scheme (England and Scotland), Headstart and The Year in Industry.  EDT is a registered education charity in England and Wales (1002459) and in Scotland (SC039635).

 For more information contact p.tysoe@etrust.org.uk or visit www.etrust.org.uk