Following a successful pilot in 2023 it was decided to run the `Anything Is Possible` Employability week again this year. A memorable week full of hands-on activities was had by all during the Alternative Education Provision, Employability Week. The aim of the week was to work with the Year 10 students from each provision to raise their aspirations and employability skills ready for moving into year 11 and beyond. We wanted to highlight to the students that they can have a bright future following school and that they have lots of opportunities open to them and most of all `Anything Is Possible`.
All 5 alternative education provisions and 1 Social, Emotional, Mental Health (SEMH) school from across Tees Valley took part in the programme bringing along their year 10 cohorts which totalled 53 students. The schools/provisions involved are.
This is the only event of its kind in Tees Valley with the Alternative Education Provisions working together collaboratively and for a full week.
The students had 4 days of activities to take part in which all focused on building teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills. The final day was a celebration of their achievements which was held at The Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough.
Day 1
All students attended Tees Barrage White Water Centre and took part in team building activities which included Paddle Boarding and completing the Air Trail. This was the first time the students met each other which was a challenge for them however, they really enjoyed the sessions. The students soon forgot they were from different schools when they were all out on the water.
Day 2
All students attended the MPTC Military Training College in Norton. They took part in physical activities using communication skills, problem solving and team building skills. They had to work with students they did not know and take instruction from staff they had not met previously. It was a challenge to start with but they soon warmed up and took part in the activities available to them.
Day 3
Students choose to attend either the Learning Curve Hair & Beauty Academy, Learning Curve Construction Academy or Newham Grange Farm depending on which area/sector they were interested in. The students took part in various activities such as Plastering and Bricklaying, Nail Art and special effects make up or animal care. The centres all commented on the student’s good behaviour and their enthusiasm for what they were doing. One student was told if he did not take up Bricklaying as an occupation it would be such a shame as he showed a natural skill and ability in this trade. This student was awarded `Student of the day` from the Construction academy.
Day 4
Students all attended Tees Works Skills Academy for a Motivational session with LoudSpeaker. This session was around the students as individuals, looking at their personal journey and how they can improve their outcomes with positive thinking and raising self-esteem. This was particularly challenging for the students as they were in one room for 3 hours and had to talk about themselves in front of others. The students were taken out of their comfort zone, but they really surprised us with their ability to stand up in front of the group and share some personal stories.
The students had workbooks provided by TVCA to complete each day. This was a log for the schools to keep as part of their careers evidence and for the students to record what they had enjoyed and learnt during the week. We also provided a Next Steps online form for the students to complete. This was to enable us to evaluate the benefits of the week and what could be improved on.
Day 5
Celebration Event – We invited the schools to come along to The Riverside Stadum in Middlesbrough for their celebration event. We started off the day with a welcome from TVCA, followed by an inspirational speech from Stuart Myers from World at your feet Solutions. The students who usually struggle to concentrate or sit still for very long periods of time, sat for 45 minutes, and listened intently to Stuart which was followed by a Question-and-Answer session. The students asked some interesting questions of Stuart focusing on how he has learnt to adapt every day to allow him to be successful, happy and not allow his disability to be the ruling factor in his life. Showing `Anything is Possible`.
As part of the day, we arranged a tour of the stadium as a treat for the students who took part. We also had a careers fair which the students visited as part of the morning.
The employers, colleges and providers who supported are.
Students spoke to the colleges and employers and took part in activities on the stands that the employers had brought along to engage the students.
The celebration event culminated in the awards ceremony.
TVCA trophies were awarded by Neil Young, Tees Works Manager, to the winning students for amazing communication skills, excellent teamwork skills and most enthusiastic group to name a few. Each provider from the week had also nominated students for awards which were given out to successful students. All students who took part in the paddle boarding session also received a certificate of participation from the White-Water Centre. The staff at the centre said they were really impressed with the students and that their behaviour and enthusiasm was great.
We provided support for transport for the week and all activities were provided free of charge to the schools.
Schools provided packed lunches for the students throughout the week.
