Latest News | 20 July 2021
Bridging the gap between schools and the world of work
A project backed by Derby City Council which aims to inspire and connect with youngsters has literally been building bridges with primary school children.
As part of the Our Future Derby scheme, children at Cherry Tree Hill Primary School were challenged to recreate the iconic A52 footbridge – with the help of industry experts.
The school virtually welcomed experts from the transport industry – including an RAF aircraft engineer – who tasked them with emulating the £7.2 million bridge, which connects Chaddesden and the commercial areas at the Wyvern.
The Year 4 children – aged between eight and nine – were taking part in a careers day organised by the Our Future Derby team. They also received a visit from Lieutenant Colonel Keith Spiers.
Our Future Derby was launched in 2019 by the city council and is funded by the Department for Education’s Opportunity Area programme.
It is delivered by Education and Employers, Learn by Design and dmh associates. The project has recently been extended to continue until August 2022.
Its aim is to inspire and connect youngsters across the Derby Opportunity Area – which includes Boulton, Chaddesden, Derwent, Normanton, Sinfin and Abbey – with the world of work, opening their eyes to their future possibilities through a series of engaging activities.
Opportunity Areas are social mobility cold spots where the Department for Education is prioritising resources and bringing local and national partners together. Derby was identified as an Opportunity Area in October 2016.
Its impact is being closely evaluated and led by Dr Deirdre Hughes OBE, director of dmh associates.
She said: “What makes the Our Future Derby initiative special is the planting of seeds of hope.
“Children, parents, teachers and employers working together in local communities to gain a better understanding of the changing world of work.
“Research shows that children’s aspirations are often shaped, moulded and restricted by gender stereotyping, socio-economic background and the people they meet in their local area.
“We will continue to examine what works and what needs more to be done to improve children’s life chances for a successful future.”
