During a recent visit to the school, the MP praised the standard of careers provision in place while acknowledging the importance of work experience opportunities as a means of providing inspiration for young people who are seeking to explore their options.  

Meeting with the school’s careers ambassadors, year 10 students Darcy L and Evelyn W, Mr Stuart learned about their involvement with the ‘Student Voice’ project – a partnership between the Careers and Enterprise Company and the Hull and East Yorkshire Careers hub that aims to improve careers provision in schools based on direct feedback and input from students.

Sharing their thoughts on the knowledge gaps that exist in careers learning across the region, and the need for greater work experience opportunities in their locality, the ambassadors discussed their work with the project ahead of a celebration event where they presented their findings to a wider audience of peers and professionals. 

Reflecting on his return to Withernsea High School, Mr Stuart said: “Withernsea High School has a first-rate careers leader in Viki Foster, and I want to continue to do all I can to support Withernsea’s young people to find good jobs locally. Whether that’s in construction or business; tourism, transport or working on the ‘Energy Estuary’, I want everyone in Withernsea and beyond to have the ability to get a great job locally.

“Success in the world of work starts with good work experience and I’m determined to see more youngsters secure placements in the area. I’ll be working hard to see students and businesses benefit by welcoming students into the workplace.”

School careers leader, Viki Foster, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Graham back to the school. He has been a long-standing champion of our careers programme and we are grateful for his support. I am particularly pleased that Graham appreciates the value of work experience placements. Such opportunities provide young people with a first-hand experience of a workplace environment, helping them to understand how the world of work operates and how it differs from life in school.

“Work experience can only succeed with the help and support of local businesses. I am grateful for the existing support we receive from a large number of employers, and for Graham’s efforts to help us expand this provision further.” 

During his visit, the MP spoke to year 10 students about his own career journey – a journey which took him from publisher to politician. He also shared his advice on how to find rewarding careers in the local area and took questions from students.

Responding to a question from Max C about starting his own business, Mr Stuart suggested that any budding business owner should do their research, learn how to market a product and learn how to sell themselves to potential customers. He also stated that hard work and perseverance is essential for success.

While at the school, Mr Stuart also took time to meet with attendance officer, Harriet Elvidge, to learn what measures and incentives are in place to help promote strong attendance.

ABOVE: Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart delivered an inspirational careers assembly to students in year 10. 

ABOVE: Mr Stuart also met the school’s careers ambassadors (left to right) Darcy L and Evelyn W to hear their thoughts on careers provision and work experience opportunities ahead of their presentation at a Careers Hub celebration event. 

ABOVE: Mr Stuart met with school attendance officer, Harriet Elvidge, to learn what measures and incentives are in place to help promote strong attendance.