BUSINESS leaders and schools are working together to try and close the gap between the skills taught in the classroom and the skills needed to succeed in the workplace.

Pupils, teachers and business leaders came together to celebrate the first anniversary of the Made in Barnsley project, designed to build better links between schools and business and improve young people’s job prospects.

The three year programme is designed to help year nine pupils who are considering their GCSE options and is supported by Naylor Industries, Henry Boot, Workwise and Barnsley Healthcare Federation.

They provide pupils with the opportunity to find out more about different careers.

Over the past year, pupils have been put through their paces with the Territorial Army, spent time finding out what it’s like to work in busy GP surgeries, explored ambulances and learned about the different types of careers available in the engineering and construction sectors.

An awards ceremony was held at the town hall to celebrate their work over the year.

Pupils from four secondary schools Horizon, The Dearne ALC, Outwood Shafton and Holy Trinity were given the chance to meet the Mayor of Barnsley and receive recognition for their hard work as Made In Barnsley Ambassadors.

The concept was pioneered by Barnsley Healthcare Federation and works with pupils between years 9 and 11 to help build confidence in the classroom and increase participation in a range of vocational activities, while working with members of the business community.

Sharon Swift, lead organiser at Made in Barnsley, said: “Although lessons in the classroom lay the foundations for a person’s future and can inspire lifelong passions, there is a clear gap between the skills taught in the classroom and the ones needed to succeed in the workplace.

“Through the Made in Barnsley programme we want to address this gap by creating vocational experiences for young people in the local area. We want to use the programme to inspire pupils to find out more about careers in many different sectors, ranging from healthcare, construction and engineering to sport.

“The Student Ambassadors programme aims to give every secondary student in Barnsley the chance to participate in Made In Barnsley, which has helped to build confidence amongst pupils in the classroom and open their minds to working in different careers.”

Mayor of Barnsley Coun Steve Green said: “Made in Barnsley is a terrific programme which helps to inspire and nurture home-grown talent. Forging mutually beneficial relationships between local schools and businesses is good for the community too, as it promotes understanding and new experiences.

“I’d like to wish success to everyone who is involved in the programme this year, and encourage any pupils who are considering taking part to get involved.”