Pupils at The Kingsmead School are being inspired thanks to a partnership with Derbyshire based car-manufacturer Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK.
The collaboration, which is extended to just a handful of schools in the city, means that pupils attending Kingsmead’s sites will be supported in their studies, develop employability skills and have the opportunity of meaningful work experience placements at the Burnaston plant.
It will help the school, which caters for children with social, emotional and mental health issues, maintain its low NEET figures – children who are not in education, employment or training post 16.
Picture shows: Executive Head Teacher of The Kingsmead School, Derby Mike Pride (left) shaking hands with Toyota’s Mandy Evans (right).
Last year, 95% of year 11s at the school had a place in education or employment after leaving the school, a figure which is well above the national average.
Marsha Johnson, careers co-ordinator at the school, said: “We are passionate about equality and offering the same opportunities to all our students regardless of their educational background or social circumstances.
“Careers support is a huge part of our PSHE curriculum and to add not only a local, but an international company, to the businesses and industries already being promoted to our students is huge.
“Connecting our pupils with Toyota and sharing the fantastic opportunities that exist, will drive them on to potentially explore apprenticeships in their chosen field, providing them with on-the-job training and promising careers.”
Picture shows: Pupils from The Kingsmead School, Derby meeting with Mandy Evans (left) who represents Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK.
The announcement comes after five young people from the school secured apprenticeships earlier this year on the Toyota Production Apprenticeship Scheme.
As a partner school, the young people from primary to post 16 will have access to designed, bespoke support packages. Toyota’s involvement includes events such as primary days via engineering days, work experience, careers talks and tours, CV and revision workshops.
Executive head teacher Mike Pride said: “This venture has grown from a very successful experience led by our 2nd in Department for English, Caron Fellows which saw some of our pupils gain apprenticeships.
“Everyone at The Kingsmead School works hard to ensure our pupils achieve their full potential and this partnership will encourage and inspire our students while showing them the opportunities available to them.”
Mandy Evans, Toyota’s Young People Education Lead, “We are delighted to partner with Kingsmead School to support the young people on their educational journey, inspiring them to reach their potential and to achieve great outcomes.”
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