PEOPLE from a range of different careers have been asked to volunteer to help improve the job prospects of pupils at local schools.

Words for Work is run by the National Literacy Trust Hub in Bradford, and involves staff from some of the district’s biggest employers visiting schools to explain the importance of skills like communication and teamwork in their future careers.

Last academic year the scheme started in Hanson School in Swain House with a Words for Work event attended by over 200 pupils. They got the chance to quiz staff from manufacturing companies, police, Bradford Council and Airedale NHS Foundation Trust about the most important workplace skills.

Next month it will expand to Carlton Bolling College in Undercliffe and Grange Technology College in Little Horton.

Volunteers for the scheme will take part in four teacher-led workshops, organised across consecutive weeks at both schools, with a class of around 20 students.

Through the scheme it is hoped that the volunteers will help to improve students’ understanding of key workplace behaviours, communication and presentation skills as well as deepening students understanding of the local job market and apprentice opportunities.

During workshops, volunteers help the pupils with a range of literacy activities including exploring the difference between formal and informal language, effective questioning, the impact of body language and effective presentation.

It is also hoped that the programme will give young people a better idea of the jobs and roles available after they leave school.

Anyone who volunteers will receive full training and are supported throughout by the teacher and a dedicated Project Manager at the National Literacy Trust.

Although the trust has enough volunteers for the Grange Technology Project scheme, they still need people to come forward to help make the Carlton Bolling College one a success.

After a Words for Work event in June, one Hanson pupil, Riley Heal, told the Telegraph & Argus: “It has taught me about positive body language and I feel more confident about talking with different people and asking them questions.

“I think it’s a really beneficial programme for students my age.”

Imran Hafeez, Manager of the National Literacy Trust Hub in Bradford, said: “We need local employers to get involved in our Words for Work programme by volunteering in Bradford schools to help pupils develop their confidence and crucial employability skills by sharing their own experiences of the workplace.

“Words for Work bridges a gap between businesses and schools to increase literacy levels, harness children’s ambitions and set them on the road to a successful future in the world of work.”

The Bradford Literacy Hub was set up to improve reading skills in areas of the district where children often fall behind when it comes to reading and writing.

For more information, or to volunteer for the scheme, contact Words for Work Project Manager, Lucy Kerrigan at wfw@literacytrust.org.uk or call on 0207 840 9556.