Employers and schools unite for digital skills work experience
Secondary school pupils in Telford are to gain a taste of the modern workplace through an innovative digital skills pilot.
Students from New Road Academy and Telford Park will spend the day at Telford College on Thursday, 30 April, taking part in the pilot developed by the Marches Careers Hub Enterprise Advisers.
More than 20 students, all in Years 8 and 9, will take part in employer-led workshops tackling real-world digital challenges, focusing on misinformation, AI-generated content, responsible online communication and data protection.
The pilot is part of a Modern Work Experience model developed through the Marches Careers Hub, designed to move beyond traditional week-long block placements.
Rather than spending time with a single employer, students will rotate through sessions delivered by the Hub's Enterprise Advisers — business professionals who work strategically alongside schools to broaden young people's understanding of the world of work.
Workshops will be delivered by employers including Purple Frog, CA Consultancy and Symbio-tex.
Andriané Usherwood-Brown, strategic careers hub lead at the Marches Careers Hub, said: "Modern work experience can help play a significant part in introducing young people to the world of work and inspiring them in their career choices.
"This pilot is about quality, outcome-focused experiences that deliver real impact. By working with Enterprise Advisers who are already embedded in the business community, we can give students practical insight into how digital skills are applied safely and effectively in real workplaces — and do it in a way that works for both schools and employers."
Laura Burke, of New Road Academy, said: "The opportunity for young people to have genuine experience of working with employers isn't always there, and that's a real gap. This is a different way of bridging that — giving students meaningful contact with the business world in a setting that's structured, relevant and genuinely engaging."
Telford College is currently undergoing significant investment and transformation as it prepares for the opening of a new dedicated sixth form in Telford town centre and new facilities at its Wellington campus.
Sarah Davies, Executive Director Partnerships and Employer Engagement of Telford College said: "Every year, thousands of young people from across Telford walk through our doors and find their path — whether that's into employment, an apprenticeship or higher education. Days like this matter because they start that conversation early, connecting students with employers and showing them what's genuinely possible. That's what this college has always been here to do."
The pilot forms part of a wider programme being trialled ahead of expected full national rollout of the Modern Work Experience model in 2028, under which secondary school pupils will be offered up to 50 hours of workplace experiences across their time in school.
Schools, colleges and employers across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin interested in getting involved in the programme should contact the Marches Careers Hub at info@marchescareershub.co.uk or visit marchescareershub.co.uk
