20/6/2024

An award and celebration event has taken place to recognise the achievements made through the 'What's Next? Award' work experience programme, which aims to reintroduce work experience for pupils in sixth forms across Cardiff.

Students and host employers came together to celebrate the achievements of pupils from Cantonian High School and reflect on the invaluable experiences and lessons learned throughout their work experience journey.

During the event students shared inspiring reflections through speeches, video testimonials, and written thoughts, showcasing remarkable personal and professional growth. Host employers shared their own positive experiences, highlighting the impact of their mentorship on the students' development. Certificates were awarded to the students, celebrating their outstanding achievements.

The ‘What's Next? Award' is part of Cardiff Commitment's ‘Learning Pathways' priority which aims to empower young people to make informed choices about their futures and support the economic recovery of the region through raising awareness of skill gaps and growth sectors in the city.

Thanks is given to all partners and sponsors for their support and commitment to nurturing the next generation of professionals.

A new cohort of year 12 pupils from Cantonian High School, Cardiff West Community High School, Ysgol Glantaf and Whitchurch High School will be going on work experience throughout July as part of the staged roll-out of the ‘What's Next Award'. A total of 460 work experience placements have been secured from 60 employers.

Cantonian High School Headteacher, Dianne Gill said, "The ‘What's Next' work experience event has provided an invaluable opening for our Year 12 students to gain first-hand experience of employment opportunities within their areas of study. During their work experience week, our students were able to work with some of the leading businesses and organisations in Cardiff. 

"This allowed them to identify potential employment prospects for the future and make meaningful employment links across the city. It has enhanced our students' experience within their Sixth Form studies and helped them prepare for life beyond education."

A Cardiff Council Spokesperson said, "This is a great way to highlight the need for more local employers to come forward and help the Cardiff Commitment in supporting young people.

"It's an opportunity for employers to prepare Cardiff's young people for the world of work by giving them first hand opportunities and providing invaluable guidance and inspiration to the next generation of workers."

To find out more, or to offer a work experience placement for next year's cohort of sixth form students in Cardiff, please contact Darren.Phillips@cardiff.gov.uk; Cardiff Commitment Business Engagement Advisor or visithttps://www.whatsnextcardiff.co.uk/en/