SIXTY teenagers across Buckinghamshire underwent a week of work experience week under a new plan to provide youngsters with fresh ideas in to consider when deciding future plans.

A five-day activity agenda was devised by Bucks County Council’s Youth Service and the programme is predicted to help 13-15-year-olds make decisions upon their future careers by exposing them to various different career paths.

Aylesbury College hosted the scheme, which encourages teenagers to get involved with more practical learning methods and this was shown in their involvement in kitchens and workshops during the week.

In addition to encourage young people to think more widely over their career decisions, the Youth Service was also attempting to educate teenagers in how they can receive the right vocational training.

Katy Moore, the senior practitioner for the Youth Service stated that young people who had been booked on to the programme through their schools and other agencies responded better to practical ways of learning than those who had not had such work experience.

“The key is to inspire them about their future,” said Katy.

“We're using fun, practical activities to get them to think more creatively, more broadly, and more realistically.

“We're hoping there'll be some light bulb moments among them about the vocational opportunities that could set them on the right track.'

Zahir Mohammed, BCC cabinet member for Education and Skills, said: “I'm delighted we've been able to run this pilot programme, which will do a great deal to inspire our young people by giving them a taste of what they could aspire to.”

The school children, from Aylesbury, Buckingham, Amersham and High Wycombe, were able to choose which career stream they aspired to work in and choices included mechanics and engineering, catering, arts and media, sport and working outdoors.

The five days of practical taster activities will be followed by a two-day residential workshop next week (w/b August 10) at Green Park activity centre, Aston Clinton.