5. Employer Engagement

Encounters with employers and employees

Why this matters

Every student should have multiple opportunities to learn from employers about work, employment and the skills that are valued in the work place. This can be through a range of enrichment activities, including visits, mentoring and enterprise schemes.Research suggests that young people need at least 4 or more encounters with employers for the impact to be effective. Those who experience 4 or more employer encounters are less likely to fall out of education and work and can earn 18% more during their careers.

At Riversides School, it is important that our young people have access to these advantages as our overall commitment to building higher expectations.

The CBI/ Pearson Education Skills Survey 2016 reported a gap between education and the preparation people need for their future as well as the gap between the skills needed and those people have ‘Encounters help address the skills and knowledge gap

Expanding employer encounters broadens young people’s horizons for action, builds independence and fosters community cohesion.

Structuring employer encounters within the school curriculum to strengthen aspirations and attainment and provides support as students take action to achieve their full potential. We have a culture of high expectations and person-centred approach.

All teachers link curriculum learning with careers:

Teachers link learning to specific subjects. For example – we include real life experiences into our practise. In outdoor Ed we measure distance, time etc into our activities.

School Practise

School provides first hand encounters with employers as part of careers and enterprise programme for Years 7-11.
Riversides ensures that we celebrate these encounters on our website.
School plans: mentoring, career talks, coaching and mock interviews, enterprise competitions and workplace visits. These help to increase students’ enthusiasm and confidence.
School takes into account the development needs of individual students.
School has two Enterprise advisers who understands the needs and circumstances of our learners and builds the commitment and involvement of businesses. They visit pupils regularly and offer support and guidance.
Riversides ensures that careers activities are age appropriate and progressive.
Teachers work closely with parents to ensure that there is a strategic and structured approach to Post 16 placements.
Care is taken to ensure that pupils who have an EHCP benefit from a longer introduction and preparation for employment activities.