Students get their 'Hands On' work-related qualifications, skills and careers

6 November 2007

As Year 9 and Year 11 students across the country start thinking about what courses to study next academic year or what career path to take, 10 South Yorkshire students gathered to encourage their peers to get their 'Hands On' work-related qualifications.

Wearing the uniforms of their prospective industries - including chef whites, hard hats and clinical overcoats – the students attended the Routes 16 Careers and Opportunities Fair to represent the 10,000 students aged 14–19 who study work-related courses across South Yorkshire.

The 'Hands On' campaign has been developed by the four local authorities in South Yorkshire and Objective 1 as a response to requests from government, employers and universities that students are equipped with the knowledge, understanding and skills that prepare them for the world of work.

From today, an extensive ad campaign is running across outdoor sites and local newspapers throughout the region. The 'Hands On' campaign highlights vocational qualifications in the industries providing the greatest employment potential for young people in South Yorkshire.

Vocational qualifications are designed with the help of employers, so young people are able to hit the ground running in their chosen career.

David Kay from Sero Consulting, a South Yorkshire employer in the creative and digital sector says, "Young people who are equipped with vocational qualifications in IT and digital media are desirable to many employers who are now relying on computers, networks and websites in their everyday business. In my experience, these students have vital employability skills, including an understanding of business, practical skills and work-based knowledge."

Not only does a vocational route provide an excellent work-related grounding, it also gives young people other vital skills, such as team working, communication and organisational skills, that are recognised by further education providers and universities.

What's more, students find vocational courses stimulating and enjoyable. Rachel Grundy, aged 16, from Balby Carr Community Sports College, Doncaster says: "I enjoy doing media studies because it's hands on and you get to use professional equipment and software. At the end of each unit we have a finished product such as a podcast to show for our efforts. I would like to use my vocational qualification to go on to university after my course."

Alison Firth, Marketing Manager of the campaign says, "Today, many students aged 14-19 in South Yorkshire can choose from a whole range of courses whether an NVQ alongside their GCSEs or vocational A levels in subjects that really interest them. Not only are they hands-on, but they lead to nationally recognised qualifications that colleges and universities value because of the employability skills they provide. Our website, www.voced.co.uk is packed full of useful information but it is important that young people and their parents talk to their school, college or Connexions Personal Adviser to know all the options when it comes to their education so they can make an informed decision that is just right for them".