The official launch of the Cutlers 'Made in Sheffield' Initiative!

I attended the official launch of the Cutlers 'Made in Sheffield' Initiative at the Cutlers Hall this morning!

The Cutlers’ Company has a long and distinguished history in education and has been working with schools, colleges and manufacturers regarding the need to prepare young people for the world of work. In partnership with Sheffield City Council, Business and Education South Yorkshire and Work Wise, the Cutlers 'Made in Sheffield' initiative will involve the Cutlers Company taking a pro-active stance in schools and mentoring and supporting the workforce of the future through the Cutlers’ Curriculum. 

The scheme, which begins in the new academic year, was formally launched at the Cutlers’ Hall today when the three schools participating in the pilot project signed agreements with the Cutlers Company. The aim of the initiative is to provide school leavers with an additional skills-set based on the needs of the workplace - developing character, resilience and grit, the ability to absorb and act on information, as well as time keeping, a sense of purpose, communication and presentation skills, creativity, innovation and enterprise skills and a better understanding of the workplace.

“We are delighted that the months of discussion have resulted in a positive outcome,” said Pam Livesidge, the Master Cutler. “All the schools approached were keen to take part. At this early stage we have selected just three but more will join once the scheme is up and running. Our fostering of young talent and enthusiasm is not new. Many Freemen of the Cutlers’ Company take an active role in apprenticeships - Forgemasters and DavyMarkham being two of the best known - and many will now act as mentors in our pilot scheme.”

It has been great working with colleagues from Bradfield, Firth Park, Stocksbridge and Yewlands to explore how we create the new 'Made in Sheffield' curriculum with an associated skills framework and passport to recognise and accredit young people's learning. It as also been really encouraging to have both Sheffield College and Longley Park Sixth Form College with us alongside the Workwise team and the Cutlers Company supported by the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University developing a framework which we could all sign up to and own.