More than two thirds of secondary school students who have received careers advice as part of the
Silverstone Park Schools Programme would now consider working for a tech or engineering-based company. The latest figures, based on feedback from the 955 Year 8 and 9 students reached in the 2023-24 academic year, showed that 71% had had their interest sparked by businesses who, as part of the programme, volunteer their time to deliver industry-focused workshops or tours of their premises.
The programme’s work for 2024-25 began last week with three partners schools — Sponne School in Towcester, Kingsthorpe College in Northampton and The Buckingham School in Buckingham — whose students and teachers will benefit from the volunteers’ advice about career types and pathways in the tech industry.
Feedback from students at Sponne, Kingsthorpe and Buckingham in 2023-24 showed that as a result of the programme’s careers workshops and business visits — 94% increased their understanding of the skills required to succeed in the world of work; 91% increased their understanding of the importance of STEM GCSE subjects for accessing future resources; 82% improved their knowledge about the subjects they want to study next; 90% found out more about jobs available at Silverstone Park; 71% would consider working for a tech or engineering-based company; and 75% would consider a job at Silverstone Park
The programme was launched in 2018 in response to local employers’ concerns about the skills gap. It has since reached over 9,000 young people. Leonie Matthews, programme manager at
News category: Education and training