The SCR Chambers: East Midlands
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Helping school children expand their horizons
engaged more than 12,500 children and teachers in its first 18 months, a new report shows. Our Future Derby, which brought together a
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unique consortium of education providers and employers including East Midlands Chamber, delivered career-based learning at 32 schools between April 2019 and December 2020, with the goal of expanding opportunities, improving gender equality and enhancing social mobility. In an evaluation and impact
assessment report published last month, it was found that after taking part in activities as part of the £250,000 Government-funded project, 81% of children said they had learned about at least five new jobs. Meanwhile, 93% agreed that “people
n innovative programme aimed at raising aspirations among primary school pupils in seven of Derby’s most deprived wards
schools, families and businesses will help children to gain a better understanding of world of work, the opportunities that are out there and how they can make the most of them.” The Our Future Derby project began in
‘Broadening
horizons and raising
aspirations from an early age is essential’
like me can do any job they want when they grow up”. Pieter Eksteen, the Chamber’s Education and
Business Partnerships Manager, said: “Research shows 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 believe that collaboration between
summer 2019 to link children and schools in the seven wards – Abbey, Arboretum, Boulton, Chaddesden, Derwent, Normanton and Sinfin – to the world of work. Commissioned and funded by the Department for Education’s Opportunity Area Board, the programme works in partnership with 32 primary schools and is led by a partnership including dmh associates, East Midlands Chamber, Education and Employers, Forum Talent Potential and Learn by Design. Many activities are
interactive and help to broaden children’s horizons of future possibilities, as well as tackle
stereotypes about the jobs people can
do based on their backgrounds, and to understand the relevance of learning. The project continues until July 2021, and this
year it is rolling out a “My Career Learning Log” to help children record and reflect on what they have learnt while chronicling their future aspirations. Dr Deirdre Hughes OBE, Research Programme Director at dmh associates, conducted the
The Our Future Derby scheme has been delivered in 32 schools
evaluation for the Our Future Derby Report 2020, which found that 68% of children initially indicated the main influencers of their job ideas were from parents or other close family members. She said: “Children can’t be what they can’t
see – therefore, broadening horizons and raising aspirations from an early age is essential. “Children have high hopes for their future, but
there is evidence from our research programme of unconscious bias and gender stereotyping. “Derby city primary schools and business links
are leading the way in being highly innovative to inspire children to have brighter futures.” As part of its aim to connect employers in the
region with their future workforce, East Midlands Chamber launched the Chamber Schools programme in September 2019, with more than 130 secondary schools signed up for free membership.
For more information, visit www.emc-
dnl.co.uk/chamber-schools/
Chamber welcomes freeport announcement
A freeport could be a “game-changer” for the East Midlands – bringing jobs, growth and investment, says the Chamber. The Chancellor confirmed East Midlands
Airport was one of eight locations in England to receive freeport status, which provide companies inside the sites with tariff-free trade and temporary tax breaks, in the budget. The news was welcomed by East Midlands Chamber, which had campaigned for this since 2018 when it published the Delivering a Great Future manifesto at Westminster and presented ‘The Big Opportunity’ for the region, featuring a free trade zone linked to the airport. Chief Executive Scott Knowles (pictured) said:
“Since our manifesto was published, we believe both the need and the scale of the opportunity for our vision has only grown, and it was great to see a fantastic collaborative effort from our region during the bid process – including 15 of
44 CHAMBERconnect Spring 2021
our MPs coming together to offer their support. "Our region already has fantastic national and
international trading links – something highlighted during the pandemic – and freeport status means we can cement our role at the centre of Britain’s post-Brexit global trading relationship. "We are in a unique position as the only inland
freeport among the eight designated zones, which is testament to East Midlands Airport's reputation as the country's most important mover of international freight and the catalyst for the explosive growth we've witnessed in our region's logistics sector in recent years. "This free trade zone, which will have a focus
on innovation, low carbon and trade, signals the direction of travel for the East Midlands economy – giving investors something tangible to back in order to deliver the inward investment and jobs that will enable growth.”
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