Adopt a School Program
Through the Adopt a School Program, Local Community Partnerships encourage businesses to adopt a school in their area, and engage young people in hands-on learning experiences.
The program builds strong and ongoing partnerships between businesses and schools, which ultimately benefit all those involved.
Students are given the opportunity to gain real experience, learn about the career opportunities open to them, and find out about the kinds of skills employers are looking for. On the other hand, local businesses gain experience in working with today’s young people and have a hand in shaping their future workforce.
The Adopt a School Program also focuses on meeting future skills needs by encouraging young people to learn in new and emerging industry sectors and those which have current or predicted skills shortages.
A typical Adopt a School project is set within a particular industry sector and runs to a project plan. It gives participating students hands-on learning under the guidance of an industry mentor and produces a defined finished product. When the project is completed, a student awards evening or community-based event is often held to celebrate the project and the cooperation of all involved.
Adopt a School projects can be based in business or industry, in the community or in schools. They include activities such as:
- building a product
- planning an event
- tours, site visits and excursions
- speakers and demonstrations
- student research and enterprise projects
- mentoring by industry specialists and local businesses
- projects with industry-specific hands-on learning
- competitions and games.
The Adopt a School Program also aims to involve teachers and families in activities in order to give them a better understanding of the career pathways open to today’s young people.
Local Community Partnerships use the industry links and local knowledge of their Regional Industry Career Advisers to encourage businesses to get involved in the program.
