OXFORD City Council has launched a partnership with a city school to help pupils improve their chances of getting a job.

As part of the agreement, officers at the council will provide mentoring to pupils at The Cherwell School and a new work experience programme is being set up.

Already 33 officers across the council have signed up to become mentors in the scheme.

The council and school hope it will allow youngsters to get a flavour of the world of work and gather experience across the council’s wide range of departments, which are responsible for everything from maintenance of council homes to keeping the authority’s budget under control.

Head of School Chris Price said: “We are delighted with the link we have established through the Business in the Community scheme and are very excited by its potential.

“A mentoring programme is the starting point for our link and we are already discussing a range of other possible ventures which we hope will help to prepare our students for the world of work.

“We have our own careers officer and take very seriously our responsibilities for providing the best advice and guidance possible; we recognise how important it is for students to develop the skills required for both further education and employment and our connection with the council will enhance this further.”

The Marston Ferry Road school’s sixth form has 500 pupils and the scheme is focused on helping them make the transition into work, an apprenticeship or higher education.

Staff in the city council’s departments – including lawyers, estate managers, building workers and architects, as well as accounts staff and planners – can sign up to become mentors and commit to spending an hour a month working with a youngster interested in their field.

These children will also be able to get council work experience in October and then in June or July.

This is all part of the national Business in the Community initiative which has already seen other partnerships in the city such as Unipart working with Oxford Academy.

Bob Price, leader of the city council, said: “This is an excellent initiative promoted by Business in the Community, and supported through the city council’s educational attainment programme.

“We are very pleased to be partnering with The Cherwell and welcome the chance to assist the students in preparation for working life. As a large employer in the city we have a wide range of skills and experience in a variety of roles which will help support the school’s work – and many employers are enthusiastic about supporting the programme.”

Jarlath Brine, learning adviser at the council, said: “This is an exciting project that will make a real difference to the students.

“It’s about council staff mentoring students to drive their ambitions, chasing and challenging them to be the best they can be and to make the transition from school into further education or work.”

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