Sixty young people are celebrating after hacking into the real world of work.
Over the past academic year young people have met with businesses and organisations to hear about their real world of work problems.
The year eight and nine pupils then spent time thinking about the problems, working up a solution and presenting back to the industry experts, with the aim of improving a number of skills including empathy, networking, confidence, presentation skills and creativity.
It’s all part of Salford’s FACT (Fuelling Ambitions Creatively Together) scheme to give young people a unique insight into the world of work.
The six ‘hackathons’ were themed around an industry which is likely to grow in the future - digital, leisure and tourism, business and finance, health and care, logistics and construction.
Manchester Museum set a problem about how to dismantle a dinosaur exhibit and reassemble it in another part of the museum and the NHS asked for advice on how to help older people experiencing loneliness.
Charlotte Ramsden Strategic Director for People from Salford City Council said: “The celebration event is to say well done to all the pupils and teachers and thank the businesses which have taken part in the project – they should be extremely proud of themselves.
Debbie Blackburn Assistant Director Public Health Nursing and Wellbeing from Salford City Council said “The project is all about linking those from low income communities to local career opportunities and showing them what life is like outside of the classroom and raise their aspirations. They snatched this opportunity with both hands.”
Councillor John Walsh Executive Member for Education from Salford City Council said; “The celebration event gives us chance to look back at what they have achieved and to be formally presented with their certificates. I can’t wait to her about their personal experiences.”
Chris Dabbs, Chief Executive of Unlimited Potential, a local social enterprise, said: “We are proud to have to co-ordinated the FACT project for its third year. We have learned so much about helping to link local young people with key growth industries.
“This is far more than work experience. The industries provided real-world problems that they face, and the young people used their skills to produce and present solutions.
“We hope that this helps the industries that are growing in Salford to realise the talent that exists amongst young people in communities that are on their doorstep.”