Telford Students to Participate in Innovative Digital Skills Work Experience Pilot

Secondary school pupils in Telford will take part in a pioneering digital skills work experience pilot designed to provide insight into the contemporary workplace. On Thursday, 30 April, students from New Road Academy and Telford Park will attend sessions at Telford College as part of the initiative developed by the Marches Careers Hub Enterprise Advisers.

Over 20 students in Years 8 and 9 will engage in employer-led workshops addressing practical digital challenges. These include topics such as misinformation, AI-generated content, responsible online communication, and data protection.

The pilot forms part of the Modern Work Experience model created by the Marches Careers Hub, which aims to move beyond the traditional week-long block placements. Instead of spending time with a single employer, students will rotate through sessions delivered by Enterprise Advisers—business professionals who collaborate strategically with schools to expand young people’s understanding of the workplace.

Employers involved in delivering the workshops include Purple Frog, CA Consultancy, and Symbio-tex.

Andriané Usherwood-Brown, strategic careers hub lead at the Marches Careers Hub, commented: “Modern work experience can help play a significant part in introducing young people to the world of work and inspiring them in their career choices. This pilot is about quality, outcome-focused experiences that deliver real impact. By working with Enterprise Advisers who are already embedded in the business community, we can give students practical insight into how digital skills are applied safely and effectively in real workplaces—and do it in a way that works for both schools and employers.”

Laura Burke of New Road Academy added: “The opportunity for young people to have genuine experience of working with employers isn’t always there, and that’s a real gap. This is a different way of bridging that—giving students meaningful contact with the business world in a setting that’s structured, relevant and genuinely engaging.”

Telford College is currently undergoing significant investment and transformation, preparing to open a new dedicated sixth form in Telford town centre alongside new facilities at its Wellington campus.

Sarah Davies, Executive Director Partnerships and Employer Engagement at Telford College, said: “Every year, thousands of young people from across Telford walk through our doors and find their path—whether that’s into employment, an apprenticeship or higher education. Days like this matter because they start that conversation early, connecting students with employers and showing them what’s genuinely possible. That’s what this college has always been here to do.”

This pilot is part of a broader programme being trialled ahead of a planned national rollout of the Modern Work Experience model in 2028. Under this model, secondary school pupils will be offered up to 50 hours of workplace experiences throughout their school years.

Schools, colleges, and employers in Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin interested in participating in the programme are encouraged to contact the Marches Careers Hub at [email protected] or visit www.marchescareershub.co.uk.