A SCHEME which enables young people to experience the world of at work first hand is returning.

Two vineyards, a five-star hotel, an animal welfare charity, a nuclear power plant and leading manufacturing and creative businesses are among the businesses taking part in this year’s Open Doors.

The initiative, aimed at boosting young people’s career prospects and inspiring career choices by enhancing their knowledge and experience of the workplace, runs from November 6 to 30.

A total of 29 employers in East Sussex have signed up for the scheme which will see more than 250 students from 18 schools visit and tour businesses, talk to staff and take part in activities.

Open Doors, which first ran last year, is run by East Sussex County Council and supported by Skills East Sussex, the county’s organisation for employment and skills.

Councillor Rupert Simmons, lead member for economy, said: “Last year’s Open Doors was a great success and allowed young people to gain a valuable insight into a range of different types of business.

“Evidence shows that the more exposure schoolchildren have to the workplace, the more likely they are to be in employment, education or training as adults.

“There is also evidence that students who have ideas about their future careers make more of their school education opportunities.

“Taking part in a scheme such as this allows young people to learn more about what will be expected of them when they go into employment, easing the transition between study and work.”

Dave Mooney, boss at Drallim Industries in St Leonards, said: “We took part last year and we are very happy to be participating again in 2017.”