Help young people set their sights on great careers 

We're asking local businesses to provide virtual work experiences for our region's young people in a move to ensure future talent in Dorset's key industries.

As COVID-19 and technology change the way businesses operate, and with many local businesses reporting difficulties in recruiting local staff with the skills and qualifications they need, skills gaps at a county level are holding our economy back. 

Dorset Careers Hub, delivered by Dorset LEP in partnership with BCP Council and Dorset Council, is working with SpeakersForSchools towards a solution to support young people plan their future careers  - virtual work experience.

This is a call to Dorset's medium-large business community to help create valuable experiences for our region's Year 10 students to work in some of our county’s most exciting and promising companies this academic year. A pilot will take place this spring and a roll out of the full program will take place in June/July. 

We are especially keen to hear from businesses in the digital or creative industries, finance, manufacturing, health and social care, exporting, construction and tourism. 

Steve Williams, Careers Hub Lead at Dorset LEP said: “A small contribution of company time could make a huge impact on a young person’s life prospects, inspire tomorrow’s talent to set their sights on working in one of Dorset’s key sectors and help drive Dorset's economic recovery. Dorset has a healthy mix of established sectors and new, high potential areas - providing young people with insights to these opportunities will help ensure we develop and retain talent in our region."

To find out how we can support you and for more details on the manageable level of commitment involved in providing an online work experience opportunity, visit our Support Young People page.