New employer challenges strengthen careers education in Welsh schools

Schools across Wales have been introduced to a series of new work-related challenges designed by Careers Wales to support careers education in the classroom.

Developed with the support of employers from a range of industries, the ‘Work in Focus’ challenges help teachers integrate real-world learning into the curriculum, giving students hands-on experience of key sectors.

Both national and local employers from across the country have provided valuable insight and industry knowledge to ensure the challenges provide a realistic reflection of the world of work.

Teachers and students have already begun trialling the challenges, which cater to learners in Years 8 and 9. Designed to fit within the Curriculum for Wales, the challenges span multiple subjects, from STEM to humanities and the creative industries.

Pupils from Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive School in Pontypridd recently took part in the compound semiconductors challenge, hosted by microchip manufacturer Vishay. The students were tasked with a variety of activities relating to the importance of quality control within the industry, including a bolt drop target exercise, writing a specific set of instructions and specifications for everyday tasks and a box making challenge.

Karis Ponting, a maths teacher at Bryn Celynnog School, said: “The challenges were engaging and informative about the variety of careers on offer in engineering with easy-to-follow resources for any teacher to lead the lessons. The pupils particularly enjoyed the lesson where they created boxes and even requested to continue this into another lesson to challenge themselves to make the most productive manufacturing line. The experience allowed pupils to apply the skills they learn in class into real world of work scenarios.

Joanne Daniels, Talent, Learning & Organisational Development lead at Vishay, said: “This has been a very worthwhile, rewarding experience developing the challenges for secondary schools. The school and students have actively and enthusiastically engaged in the programme.

“For our business this is essential, as these are the engineers and staff of the future.  The challenges, cover maths, English and manufacturing as well as the soft skills – teamwork, communication, time management and leadership – which are all key for any industry. 

 “For the students, they were able to identify tasks they liked and disliked, and gain a better understanding of their strengths which will support them in career selection.

 “Semiconductors Advanced Manufacturing is not an easy subject, and this programme enables us as an industry to raise the awareness and highlight career opportunities in positive, proactive way.”    

Mark Owen, Head of Services to Stakeholders at Careers Wales, said:

“The Work in Focus challenges have been designed as a valuable resource for schools, helping to embed meaningful careers education within the curriculum. 

“It’s fantastic to see the hospitality challenge being enjoyed by pupils at Bryn Celynnog School and to hear that they found it useful. 

“Activities with employers, such as the Work in Focus challenges, play a vital role in broadening students’ aspirations and showcasing the opportunities available to them in Wales’ key industries. 

“For employers, supporting schools enables them to invest in their potential future workforce and raise awareness of their business or sector.”  

Each challenge is linked to an area of learning within the Curriculum for Wales, with a sector focus or theme. They have been developed in partnership with major employers from the key investment sectors identified by Welsh Government.

The current challenges on offer are detailed below:

Mathematics and numeracy

• Compound semiconductors – developed in partnership with Vishay

Science and technology

• FinTech – developed in partnership with Starling Bank and Fintech Wales.
• Advanced manufacturing – developed in partnership with Toyota
• Renewables – developed in partnership with RWE renewables
• Cyber security – developed in partnership with Cyber First and Digital Health and Care Wales

Health and wellbeing

• Welsh in the workplace – developed in partnership with Cyngor Gwynedd Council

Languages, literacy and communication

• Tourism – developed in partnership with the Celtic Manor and Visit Wales

Humanities

• Food and drink – developed in partnership with Selwyn’s Seafoods and Food & Drink Skills Wales, Mentera

Careers Wales is keen to hear from more employers interested in shaping the future workforce by developing new challenges. Businesses across Wales can support schools by providing sector-specific insights, mentoring opportunities, and real-life case studies.

For teachers looking to get involved or for employers keen to collaborate, more information is available on the Careers Wales website or via employerengagement@careerswales.gov.wales.

Images – Careers Wales