WOW MATTERS!

We know that young people are struggling to secure first-hand experiences of the world of work (WOW) and far too many have no real awareness or knowledge of the world of work, career pathways or future job prospects. We also know from research, evidence and some innovative projects in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield, that experiences of the world of work can be a major catalyst for change among young people, particularly those who are underachieving, disadvantaged and harder to reach.

Introducing young people to experiences of the world of work, from an early age, can open their eyes to new possibilities and enable them to apply their talents and creativity and what they have learned at school to the world of work. It's encouraging that employers and businesses in the Sheffield City Region recognise that we need to strengthen the relationships between employers and schools, academies and colleges and boost the number, range and quality of experiences of the world of work and work placements available for all young people and particularly for those achieving average or lower than average GCSE grades. We need to put in place a world of work entitlement to help and support every young person, in the Sheffield City Region, on their journey to a successful working life and we need to start early!