Local employers across the Isle of Wight are being encouraged to play a direct role in shaping the future workforce by taking part in a work experience event in Cowes.

The Modern Work Experience Co-Production Event will take place at Building 41 on Newport Road (PO31 8BX) on Friday 6 March from 9am to 1pm.

Delivered by the Solent Careers Hub in partnership with the Careers & Enterprise Company, the event brings together employers and schools to co-design modern, meaningful work experience that benefits young people and local businesses alike.

Employers of all sizes, from micro businesses to large organisations, are invited to attend, whether they already offer work experience or are exploring how they might get involved.

The Solent Careers Hub is a joint project between Isle of Wight Council, Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council and is supported by funding from The Careers Enterprise Company.

Ahead of the event, employers are asked to complete the Employer Standards Self-Assessment Tool, which helps businesses reflect on their current engagement with young people and identify strengths and opportunities.

Completing the self-assessment in advance will ensure attendees are well prepared to take part in discussions and workshops on the day.

Support is available for any employer who would like help completing the self-assessment.

Employers can contact the Solent Careers Hub team via solent.careers@portsmouthcc.gov.uk for guidance.

Councillor Paul Brading, chair of the children’s services, education and skills committee, said: “Employers already do more than they often realise.

“The self-assessment is not about judgement, it’s about recognising good practice and building on it. Supporting young people today is how we secure a skilled local workforce for the future.”

The interactive half-day event will explore:

• Employer Standards and what meaningful work experience looks like in practice
• How to design realistic, skills led, high-quality workplace experiences
• Practical approaches that work for both large and small employers and the schools.
• Opportunities to connect with Careers Leaders and senior leaders from local schools.

The event will take place at Building 41 on Newport Road in Cowes (PO31 8BX) and is free to attend.

Register here: https://forms.gle/UhaUxVSKwoaoQgAF9