School Employer Connections : Preparing the Future Workforce

Using refined and robust processes/systems, School Employer Connections brokers work experience placements on behalf of young people between the ages of 15 and 18 years old from over 70 secondary schools and with more than 1,000 employers across all sectors in the North West of NI.  However, some industrial and other placements require suitable clothing/equipment to ensure students are dressed appropriately for their working environment in accordance with Health & Safety Regulations.  So SEC applied for funding towards the purchase a range of PPE items to enable young people to participate in placements without adding expense to the experience.  Cllr Sandra Duffy was familiar with a lot of the work SEC is involved in and wholly supported giving young people a chance to pursue a particular career path.  Cllr George Duddy similarly believed in the merits of pushing young people towards gainful employment.  Accordingly, the Committee agreed a grant of £1,163 to cover the costs of boots, overalls, high-visibility gear, chef’s whites, etc.