A free online platform has launched in Jersey allowing schools to connect with representatives and volunteers from local industries.
Inspiring the Future, which was set up by Education and Employers, a UK charity, is a platform that enables schools to search for volunteers who are passionate about their professions and invite them to speak to students.
This allows students to hear first-hand about the different careers that exist, network with employees or representatives from various industries, and understand how their education applies to different careers.
Islanders who are passionate about the industry they work in and would like to speak to students about their line of work, can find out more information and sign up to the programme on the website or by emailing inspiringthefuture@gov.je
The initiative has been set up in partnership with Education and Employers, Every Child Our Future, and Skills Jersey. Official launch partner, Ports of Jersey, supported an initial pilot scheme which took place in Janvrin and Samares schools over the summer term.
Interim Director General of CYPES, Rob Sainsbury, said: “Inspiring the Future is a great platform that allows schools to seek out professionals in the Island, with the aim to inspire and motivate young people by showing how their education and the subjects they learn at school relate to the world of work.
“I’d like to thank Ports of Jersey who piloted the initial scheme – it was very successful amongst teachers, students, and those who volunteered to go into the schools.
“Any Islanders, currently employed, volunteering, or retired, who are happy to go into a school to talk to young people about their line of work, should sign up to Inspiring the Future online, or by emailing inspiringthefuture@gov.je. By doing so, Islanders are helping young people understand how their subjects apply to different careers.”
CEO for Every Child Our Future, Cris Lakeman, said: “Every Child our Future is delighted to be bringing this programme to the Island. Our charity aims to enable children to achieve their full potential and Inspire the Future Jersey will help children realise that anything is possible for their futures.”
Director of Sustainability at Ports of Jersey, Jenny Marek-Murray, said: “I am delighted that Ports of Jersey were involved in the pilot scheme. This is a fantastic opportunity for colleagues across Ports of Jersey to share the diverse range of roles available with children in primary schools, and possibly inspire a future coastguard, air traffic controller, engineer, or IT specialist.”
Senior Teacher at Samares School, Kate Burton, said: “The Inspiring the Future session was a great way to enable children to think about different jobs and the skills that they require by linking it to their current learning.
“Children were involved in discussions and could interact with volunteers to have their questions answered. Volunteers brought props, videos and equipment which meant children were engaged and keen to learn more.
“As a teacher, the website made the process of organising the session very easy, and I’m looking forward to Samares School holding more Inspiring the Futures session this year.”
Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Service, Eddie Afonso, said: “I decided to volunteer onto Inspiring the Future as it was a good opportunity to showcase my role to children and hopefully inspire some to follow my footsteps.
“The children came up with good questions and I found it an enjoyable experience. I would definitely recommend it to others who are considering volunteering onto it.”
