Laisterdyke pupils have had a taste of the world of work from supermarket giant Morrisons.
We enrolled a group of Year 9 pupils onto the Mosaic mentoring programme which saw them work with product development and marketing teams at the supermarket’s headquarters in Bradford.
The pupils completed an eight week programme of activities designed to give them an insight into the business world and inspire them to aim high in their future careers.
As part of their Mosaic experience, the pupils also heard from award-winning lawyer and published author Rashmi Dubé. Rashmi, who is a Mosaic programme mentor, delivered an inspirational talk to the young people around ambition and setting themselves goals.
Beyond the classroom, these Laisterdyke pupils spent a day getting hands-on experience at Morrisons’ headquarters. Pupils learnt how a product is developed, from concept to shop floor and designed and produced their own pizza range.
Colette Roberts, our Academy Improvement Director, said:
“Through this programme our pupils worked with positive role models from the world of work, in this case Morrisons.
“It’s been proven that employee mentoring programmes such as this can boost young people’s communication and social skills, in addition to giving them a valuable insight into the work environment. We’re so grateful to Morrisons for working with our Year 9s.
“Our pupils’ involvement in the eight week Mosaic programme has undoubtedly given them a greater understanding of how to improve their employability and the activities they have taken part in have boosted their confidence.”
Year 9 pupil Ansah commented:
“I wasn’t sure what to expect when I was asked to join the programme, but found it very useful and learnt so much about working life.”
Year 9 pupil Hassan added:
“I really enjoyed myself when we went to Morrisons’ headquarters. I was able to see what we had learnt in the classroom put into practice.”
Mosaic’s secondary school mentoring programme provides a package of opportunities to raise the aspirations of young people and close the gap between those aspirations and their attainment. It aims to develop pupils’ leadership skills to improve their employment prospects, and aims to inspire them to play active and positive roles in their local communities.