By Matthew Legg

Last updated at 13:59, Monday, 01 December 2008

A project aimed at showing schoolchildren the links between their school subjects and the world of work has won an award for a Cumbrian young people’s service.

Connexions Cumbria won a prize at the National Institute of Careers Guidance Conference (ICG) for the project, which helped reinforce messages about the value of good attendance, achievement and work.

The ‘Jobs in Our Community’ project was for year six pupils and was designed to enthuse them about the options available beyond school.

The project was a collaborative venture with schools, local employers, colleges, and the University of Cumbria.

In total, 701 schoolchildren took part over the two-day event and 20 jobs were represented.

Sian Rees, chief executive of Connexions Cumbria, said: “We are delighted to have won this national award which demonstrates our commitment to work with young people across all age groups, helping to raise their aspirations for the future.”

Funding was provided by Aim Higher, the West Cumbria Excellence Cluster, British Nuclear Group, and Set Point. GEN II, a local company donated money for prizes presented at the event.

Connexions Cumbria provides confidential advice, guidance and personal development services to all 13 to 19-year-olds in Cumbria.

Connexions personal advisers are based in schools, colleges, youth centres and high street drop-ins to give professional and confidential advice on a range of subjects, from careers and education to drug abuse, homelessness and teenage pregnancy.

Young people can contact it on 080 800 13 2 19 or www.connexions-direct.com

First published at 11:24, Monday, 01 December 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk