Recession hits Sussex work experience students (From The Argus)

Recession hits Sussex work experience students

4:00pm Monday 8th June 2009 in

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Schoolchildren are struggling to secure work experience placements because of the recession.

In some cases there is such a short supply of companies offering placements that Year 10 pupils have not been able to take part in the scheme which is designed to offer an insight into the working world.

Schools across the county have reported difficulties this year.

At Willingdon Community School in Broad Road, Lower Willingdon, near Eastbourne, only 70% of pupils have managed to secure a July placement.

Headteacher Ian Jungius said: “We are really struggling. We’re finding people who previously said yes to placements are now saying they can no longer do it, as they don’t have the staff to support it.

“The main issue seems to be that many have cut down on staff so can’t afford to have someone looking after a student.”

Sophia Wilson, assistant headteacher of Falmer High School in Brighton, said: “It isn’t that companies aren’t willing to take students, but they don’t even have enough work for their own staff, never mind keeping someone occupied on work experience.

“We managed to get placements for all of our students, however the range was very limited.

“So some went on placements that weren’t necessarily related to what they want to do when they leave school.”

Haydn Stride, headteacher at Longhill High School in Brighton, said: “Longhill has a long and very positive relationship with our business community and has a proud record of 100% success for placement in recent years.

“As a result of the current economic climate we are understandably having a slightly more difficult time in finding placements.”

He asked any businesses that can offer placements to contact the school on 01273 391661.

At Brighton and Hove City College some of its Skills for Jobs students have been lucky to secure placements with A&A Construction.

Sam Ingram, employer engagement officer and work placement officer, said: “It’s essential that firms like A&A Construction assist in the development of these students as there’s a dearth of companies able to support them in the current economic climate.

“There’s the worrying prospect that once we come through the recession, there will be new building developments but a shortage of skilled construction workers.”

Heather Collier, director of the National Council for Work Experience, said all age groups are having difficulties finding work experience.

She said: “I think it definitely is to do with the recession. With a lot of companies making redundancies, even though these placements wouldn’t be paid, managers will have a lot more on their mind and perhaps this has gone to the bottom of the priority list.”