ISLE of Wight businesses are being urged to help shape the region’s future workforce by taking part in a new employer-focused work experience event in Cowes next week.
The Modern Work Experience Co-Production Event, backed by the Isle of Wight Council and delivered through the Solent Careers Hub, will be held at Building 41, on Newport Road, Cowes, on Friday, March 6.
Aimed at employers of all sizes, the half-day session will bring together businesses and local schools to co-design modern, skills-led work experience, that better reflects the needs of both young people and the Island economy.
Organisers say the event is open to any employer, from micro businesses to major organisations — whether they already offer work experience placements, or are looking to understand how they could get involved in the future.
The Solent Careers Hub is a joint initiative between Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council, supported by funding from the national Careers and Enterprise Company.
Here's how you can find out more and get involved
To register, you'll need to follow this LINK.
Support is available for those who need guidance with the Employer Standards Self-Assessment Tool form. The Solent Careers Hub team can be contacted via solent.careers@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Ahead of attending, businesses are encouraged to complete the Employer Standards Self-Assessment Tool, designed to help organisations reflect on their current engagement with young people — and identify areas of strength and development.
Cllr Paul Brading, chair of the Isle of Wight Council's children’s services, education and skills committee, said the process was intended to be positive and practical.
“Employers already do more than they often realise,” he said.
“The self-assessment is not about judgement. It’s about recognising good practice and building on it.
"Supporting young people today is how we secure a skilled local workforce for the future.”
The event will cover what meaningful work experience looks like in practice, how to design realistic and high-quality workplace experiences, and practical approaches suitable for both large and small employers.
Attendees will also have opportunities to meet careers leaders and senior staff from Island schools.
The session, run between 9am and 1pm, is free to attend.
