A NEW Hereford school is working with local business to offer vital work experience to pupils.
The Robert Owen Vocational School, which opens in September this year and will eventually move in to Herefordshire Council’s Blackfriars Street offices, has teamed up with 180 local businesses to help students gain work experience in the horticultural industry in preparation for apprenticeships to train them for skilled jobs in the sector.
Practical work experience, in areas ranging from engineering to land-based industries, coupled with academic qualifications, is the key focus for the new school which will take pupils from the whole of Herefordshire and the surrounding counties.
Pupils will join the school in Year 10, aged 14 to 15, and progress to Year 13.
Vivien Dean, principal designate of the school, said: “Together with local employers we will be delivering a curriculum which will equip our young people with the skills and attributes for employment, self-employment and for life.
“Every employer that our business ambassador, John Turrell, has visited has welcomed the values and curriculum of the new school and the emphasis on working together with them.”
Any businesses that would like to be involved with the school can call 01568 615510.
More information about the school, including details about applying for places, is available at www.robertowenschool.co.uk.