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The race is on to secure work experience placements for Cardiff's young people
Employers from across the public, private and third sectors are being urged to support young people in Cardiff by providing a range of work experience placements.
The request is part of the Cardiff Commitment, an initiative which works with external partners to introduce children and young people to the vast range of opportunities available to them in the world of work.
A target of 100 placements is required to enable Year 10 pupils from Cardiff West Community High School to take part in week-long placements next June, 2020.
Cardiff Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, Cllr Sarah Merry, said: "Work experience placements are an invaluable way for our young people to learn about various industries and experience first-hand the career opportunities available to them in Cardiff and the wider region.
"They also inspire and help young people maintain their enthusiasm for learning, enabling them to look ahead and consider jobs they might not have otherwise thought about. This raises aspirations for what they want to do when they leave school.
In a bid to boost the number to businesses signed up to the scheme, Vicky Poole, the Cardiff CommitmentBusiness Engagement Advisor,will run the Cardiff Half Marathon.
Uniquely, instead of asking people to sponsor her money, Vicky has requested businesses sponsor her with the pledge of a work experience placement for the week commencing 29thJune 2020.
Cabinet Member for Investment and Development, Cllr Russell Goodway said: "The Cardiff Commitment sets out how the Council, together with a wide range of partners, work together to ensure a positive destination for every young person in Cardiff after they finish school, either in employment or further education and training whilst encouraging them totake full advantage of Cardiff's modern and dynamic economy.
"In addition, it provides businesses with a wealth of benefits include staff development opportunities, brand awareness and business exposure to a younger generation and the chance to demonstrate corporate social responsibility.
Cllr Merry added: "Ultimately, the goal of the Cardiff Commitment is to ensure that all young people in the city eventually secure a job that enables them to reach their full potential whilst contributing to the economic growth of the city and provides businesses with the opportunity to make a real difference to young people's lives
"I think that Vicky's commitment to recruit as many businesses as possible is absolutely fantastic and I wish her the best of luck for the marathon."
Martin Hulland, Headteacher at Cardiff West Community High School said: "Working with our nine Creative Partners, our students currently benefit from a range of experiences linked to the creative economy, as we focus on a work centric curriculum.
"As a lead creative school, with a huge variety of talents to offer potential employers, we would be delighted to work with employers to offer all our students that first hand taste of the workplace, that only a placement can offer.
"The Cardiff Commitment will allow us to develop partnerships across the city to widen and extend our connections with many different aspects of the thriving Cardiff economy. Our wonderful new building and enriched curriculum will ensure that our students are uniquely placed to take advantage of the opportunities provide by this great initiative. Many thanks to Victoria Poole for demonstrating real ambition and resilience, two of our core values, as she prepares for the half marathon!
Vicky said: "This would be a great opportunity for companies and organisations however big or small, to provide much-needed work placements which can help young people to accessapprenticeships, traineeships, internships, volunteering and job opportunities as well as offering career insight and advice."
If you are interested in registering a work experience placement for the week commencing 29thJune 2020 and supporting the Cardiff Commitment initiative please visit;
#cdfcommitment100
