The Young Inspirers Programme

The Young Inspirers Programme

The South East Midlands Careers Hub runs a programme called “The Young Inspirers”. Fundamentally, they work with current and former apprentices informing school children about apprenticeships. More importantly, why they may be a better alternative to university for some students.

Not only does the Young Inspirers Programme offer a platform for young minds to flourish and make a difference, but it also goes beyond traditional education, focusing on holistic development and instilling a sense of purpose in participants.

At the heart of The Young Inspirers Programme lies the belief that every individual possesses unique talents and capabilities. Through a combination of mentorship, skill-building workshops, and real-world projects, participants can discover their passions and harness their strengths. So, whether it’s entrepreneurship, social activism, or creative arts, the programme encourages exploration and fosters a culture of innovation.

Key Features

Primarily, one of the key features of The Young Inspirers Programme is its emphasis on mentorship. The next generation of leaders work with seasoned professionals and experts from various fields who give up their time to guide them. These mentors provide invaluable insights, share their experiences, and offer guidance; helping participants navigate challenges and unlock their full potential.

Moreover, the programme incorporates hands-on projects that enable participants to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems. From community outreach initiatives to sustainability projects, these practical experiences not only enrich learning but also cultivate a sense of responsibility and empathy towards others.

What sets The Young Inspirers Programme apart is its focus on instilling values like resilience, empathy, and leadership. Participants are not only equipped with technical skills but also imbued with a sense of purpose and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

In essence, The Young Inspirers Programme is more than just a learning opportunity. It’s a transformative journey that equips young minds with the tools and mindset to shape a better future. Practically speaking as we invest in the next generation of leaders, we sow the seeds for a brighter and more compassionate world.

Local Young Inspirers

Locally, five schools are trialling the programme – Lodge Park Academy, Wootton Academy Trust, Sharnbrook Academy, Huxlow Academy and Wrenn Academy. So if it is well received, the vision is to increase the number of schools involved. At present the programme has 30 apprentices involved but wants to add more. Ideally, giving greater variety and broader experience to help inform children’s choices. Ultimately more apprentices means more people can be available for small group discussions.

The Vision

The idea behind the programme is to broaden the level of knowledge children have about alternative training routes. At present, lots of schools in the UK push children towards university. This programme aims to inform children of the other options and why they may be better for them.

One of our own apprentices was part of the inaugural event at Lodge Park Academy in Corby.  Helpfully, the event included a Q&A session, involving five former apprentices and students from Year 8 and 9. They were encouraged to ask questions throughout. The topics covered ranged from finding apprenticeships, treatment in the workplace, how the training works and many more varied topics.

Personal Experience:

Our own apprentice is passionate about this subject and chose to be a part of the project as his school/ sixth form did encourage the university route.

In his own words:

“I never really felt this was the right thing for me. When I asked for support to consider alternative training routes I was left with outdated resources and only limited support. Had I been better informed earlier in my school life I may have left school as I have always been a practical learner. Sixth form had never really felt like the perfect decision for me. On completion of my GCSEs all I knew was that college/ apprenticeships were mainly focused around working in a trade rather than being available across a range of different industries. This is why the apprenticeship route has been much better for me. I have been able to achieve my AAT qualifications quickly. I can learn in class and then reinforce that knowledge by applying it at work”