YOUNG people across the district will learn the skills they need for the working world - thanks to a new course being run by Morrisons.

The Bradford-based supermarket giant piloted the 12-week course at Parkside School in Cullingworth last year, and now it is being spread out to four other secondary schools.

Students involved in the Let's Work programme are starting this month and will get "valuable insight" into the running of the city's biggest employers.

As well as continuing at Parkside School, the programme will also be running at Tong High School, Buttershaw Business & Enterprise College, Carlton Bolling College and Titus Salt School in Baildon.

A team of university graduates, based at the supermarket’s Gain Lane headquarters, will voluntarily visit students, share their own experiences from the world of work and encourage them to think about their own careers.

The formal programme is intended to develop resilience, self confidence, self awareness and the drive to succeed.

Its final module will include a tour of Morrisons Hillmore House headquarters in Thornbury, including time in the ‘M kitchen’ where products & recipes are developed.

They will also get to spend time talking to senior figures in the company.

Paul Dowd, head of employability and education at Morrisons, said: “The initial trial with 30 students was a huge success.

"The reception from Parkside and the positive feedback from the Council has encouraged us to officially launch ‘Let’s Work’ and extend it across the region.

“We have a proud history of supporting local schools and this marks an exciting new chapter."

Some of the first to take part in the programme are 30 sixth form students at Tong High School, Bradford. The business students will begin the course with Morrisons later this month.

The school's head teacher Steve Curran said: “We are delighted that Morrisons have offered our students this great opportunity.

"At each session they will have the opportunity to learn about skills and qualities required to succeed in an ever-changing world. This experience will set them apart and will ensure they are ambitious, informed and successful in the choices that they make for their future.

Michael Jameson, the Council's strategic director for children’s services, said: “One of our priorities is to ensure that our young people leave school feeling prepared.

"This comprehensive skill-development programme includes a valuable insight into a national retailer and promises older students an excellent head start. ‘Let’s Work’ is a real testament to Morrisons’ commitment to Bradford and its young people.”

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