In September 2011, Tata Steel in Europe launched a pilot programme called Industrial Cadets, to introduce young people (14 -16 years) to the workplace and forge closer links between the education sector, local schools and businesses, and the community.

Twenty five students from five local schools in Teesside were selected and taken through an eight-week training programme. Jon Bolton, hub director, Tata Steel in Europe, talks to tata.com about the programme.

Could you tell us about the Industrial Cadets programme? What are the company’s objectives in holding this programme?
Tata Steel piloted the Industrial Cadet scheme in Teesside in 2011. The aims of the scheme were to:

• Offer an insight to young people on how a business operates
• Provide an opportunity for some practical work experience
• Introduce them to careers in the manufacturing sector
• Forge a link between the education sector, local schools and businesses

The scheme was launched following discussions with the Prince of Wales, when he visited the Teesside site for his charity, Business in the Community. The prince was keen that the company should work with young people and inform them about the range of jobs available in the manufacturing and engineering sector. The prince supported this through his charity and is now eager to roll the programme out in partnership with other businesses in the UK.

A specially-equipped classroom was developed at Teesside for the scheme. A similar room is now being developed in Scunthorpe.

Could you tell us about the partnership between Tata Steel and the local schools, and how the students were selected for the programme?
The five schools were part of a trust located close to the company's manufacturing operations at Teesside. We work closely with the schools to ensure that pupils benefit from the programme, and that the scheme complements their school work.

Pupils were invited to apply for the scheme following promotion of the programme within the schools. Shortlisted candidates were then interviewed. The selection process is regarded as an important part of the programme by the schools because for many pupils, this is their first experience of such a process and it provides them with valuable experience.

What were they taught? Did the coursework tie-in with their school curriculum?
The pupils followed an eight-week programme that was put together in consultation with the schools and local training providers. The course involved a combination of academic and practical work as well as site visits. The subjects covered include engineering, manufacturing, health and safety and marketing.

Could you tell us about the success you have achieved in getting young people to understand about business and manufacturing?
Feedback from the schools involved suggests many of the pupils came away with an enhanced understanding of business, manufacturing and engineering. Some pupils have chosen to study engineering as a result of taking part in the scheme. The programme certainly opened their eyes to the wide variety of roles available within Tata Steel.

How have the students and parents reacted to the programme?
The students enjoyed the experience and have given positive feedback on all aspects of the programme. Many have said their confidence has grown as a result of completing the cadet scheme.

Some comments:
“It’s really opened my eyes to the exciting careers available,” Scott Ralston, 13, Redcar Community College.

“I’d like to thank you for the great opportunity my son has experienced. He loved every minute of it and had a great time,” a parent.

“Our pupils have gained confidence in meeting new people as well as an insight into the steel industry and how a business works,” Sarah Connor, careers coordinator, Bydales School.

How were Tata Steel employees involved in the programme?
Employees with relevant skills and expertise were invited to get involved and given the necessary coaching to enable them to present the material at the level suited for the audience.

The employees indicated they had enjoyed the experience and were pleased to be able to make a valuable contribution to the development of young people.

There are plans to take this programme across Tata Steel in Europe. Could you share with us the plans?
Eventually, we hope to roll the programme out across Tata Steel and the Tata companies in the UK. The next stage of the process is to work with schools in the Scunthorpe area to carry out a pilot, and to roll out a permanent scheme at Teesside.