School staff from the four Dudley Academies Trust schools will obtain a 1-day work placement as part of the Black Country Staff Dream Big Project in order to broaden school staff’s experiences of the world of work.

Developed by the Black Country Skills Factory and supported by the Careers & Enterprise Company, this first-hand experience will help develop careers strategies in schools.

Between now and the end of the year, with advice from the Black Country Skills Factory, school staff will be encouraged to identify a work placement that enables them to enhance their awareness of the world of work. The aim is for staff to gain a greater understanding of the progression opportunities for young people which they can then reflect within curriculum delivery. Jo Higgins, CEO Dudley Academies Trust said:

“At Dudley Academies Trust we are committed to ensuring that our learners leave the Trust with high aspirations and the knowledge to make informed and realistic decisions regarding their future.

"Our careers day experience for all staff will help to widen knowledge regarding a vast array of different careers and forge relationships with businesses. We are extremely excited about developing a wider network with the communities that we serve.”

Staff will be encouraged to look for placements within local businesses that demonstrate how learners’ education can translate into employment. For example, a maths specialists could spend a day with a carpet fitter putting maths into practice calculating area and material quantities as well as the cost for fitting.

Physics teachers could consider a day at the theatre behind the scenes with the tech team working the pully system that moves theatre equipment and staging and the language department could work as translators within international businesses based in the Black Country. Martin Dudley, Black Country LEP Board Member added:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for teachers to really develop their understanding of how their subject areas relate to the world of work, to experience careers progression first hand so that they bring this real-world experience back into the classroom for their pupils.

“We need local organisations and business to sign up to offer placements to teachers to really make this project a success. If you think your company could host a teacher for a day to ensure a better understanding of the skills you are looking for when pupils are ready to join the employment market, then now is your chance!” 

Teachers will be researching and securing placements over the coming months with a view to the placements taking place in January 2022.
To find out more about Black Country Staff Dream Big or to register to host a work placement please visit: blackcountrylep.co.uk/contact-us