2. Why ASPIRE?

3. Approximately 20% of 16 – 24 year olds are unemployed

4.  Businesses cite lack of employability skills as a top priority  LEP focus on improving employability of young people coming out of education  Young people have qualifications, but are not ‘work ready’  Unprecedented levels of youth unemployment – the ‘lost generation’

5. Opportunity for business and education to work in partnership to deliver a solution Employers have direct input to the development of ASPIRE Aim to make the Black Country an exemplar for producing work ready people

6. What is ASPIRE? A programme followed by all Year 12 students Preparation for work by developing employability skills 5 Modules = 30 hours

8. Session 1 – How do Government Decisions Impact me? Session 2 – Why is Unemployment at a Record High? Session 3 – Where does My Money go? Session 4 – What is the Value of Money? Session 5 – What do MPs do All Day?

9. Session 1 – What’s your problem? Session 2 – Research the Problem Session 3 – Gather your Evidence Session 4 – Present your Proposal Session 5 – Evaluate your Problem Solving Skills

10. Session 1 – Demonstrate your Presentation Skills Session 2 – How will you Improve your Presentation Skills? Session 3 – Presentation Workshop Session 4 – Image at Work Session 5 – Evaluate your Presentation Skills

11. Session 1 - Leader V’s Manager Session 2 - Team Building Session 3 - Plan your Activity Session 4 - Review Your Activity Session 5 - Leadership Skills Review

12. Session 1 – Where do you want to be in 5 years time? Session 2 – Create a CV Session 3 – Create a Covering Letter Session 4 – What Makes a Good Interview? Session 5 – Evaluate your Interview Skills

13. Session 1 – Skills for Working Life Session 2 – Evaluating your Work Skills Session 3 – Meeting Observation/Workplace Shadowing Session 4 - Meeting Observation/Workplace Shadowing Session 5 – Demonstrate your Skills for Working Life

14. Accreditation Certificate of Achievement/Completion Students receive a certificate recognising that they have developed a range of soft skills identified by business/industry to be critical for becoming ‘employment-ready’ (potential for this to be aligned to the University Employability Award).

15. ASPIRATION TO SUCCEED