A new initiative aimed at connecting teachers with local businesses to boost career guidance in schools has been hailed as a success after its first year. The Teacher Encounters programme, organised by the Marches Careers Hub, has seen a range of schools and colleges participating in visits to workplaces across the region, with organisers now urging more schools and companies to get involved.
The scheme, which aims to break down the barriers between education and industry, allows teachers to experience modern workplaces first-hand, giving them valuable insights into the skills and pathways required for today’s job market. Six schools and two colleges from Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin took part in the programme this year, with visits to Shrewsbury and Telford Health Trust, Breedon’s Leaton Quarry, and Aico.
Andriané Usherwood-Brown, the strategic careers hub lead for the Marches Careers Hub, praised the initiative’s success so far.
“We’ve had a very successful first full year of the Teacher Encounters programme, with excellent feedback from both businesses and teachers,” she said. “Giving teachers the opportunity to engage with employers and experience real workplaces is invaluable. It helps inform careers advice in schools and strengthens the link between the classroom and the world of work.”
Usherwood-Brown called on more businesses and schools to get involved, stressing the benefits of collaboration.
“We would love to hear from more employers willing to open their doors to teachers and showcase the kinds of jobs they offer. Equally, we hope more schools take up this fantastic opportunity to help prepare their students for the future.”
Breedon, one of the companies involved in the programme, hosted teachers at their Leaton Quarry site near Wellington over the summer. Ceri Travers, the company’s early careers manager, emphasised the importance of initiatives like Teacher Encounters.
“This was a fantastic opportunity for teachers to gain knowledge, confidence, and understanding of the labour market and the skills needed in our industry,” Travers said. “It allowed us to collaborate with the education sector and help young people become work-ready by giving teachers a clear understanding of the local opportunities available.”
The feedback from participating schools has also been overwhelmingly positive. Liam Frances, strategic lead for careers education at the Marches School in Oswestry, described the programme as a key development tool for teachers.
“The Teacher Encounters programme offers a brilliant opportunity for schools to engage directly with businesses,” Frances said. “It enables teaching staff to take part in professional development tailored to their subject area and to learn more about the industries they are preparing students for.”
The programme’s sessions typically range from half a day to a full day, giving teachers the chance to observe current industry practices, explore different career opportunities, and better understand the skills required for various roles. These insights will help them provide more informed and practical careers advice to students.
The Marches Careers Hub is now planning more sessions for the 2024/25 school year and is calling on interested schools and businesses to get in touch. For further information or to register interest, contact Andriané Usherwood-Brown at Shropshire Council.
