Page 152 - Guiding-at-risk-youth-through-learning-to-work-Lessons-from-across-Europe

Guiding at-risk youth through learning to work
Lessons from across Europe

potential to aid smooth transition from one education level to another and from
education to employment.
Familiarisation with the world of work is important for all young people,
particularly for those who have become disengaged from education and training.
It enables young people to learn by doing, and offers a kinaesthetic learning
style, which may suit those who have become disenchanted with traditional
schooling.
Work experience allows young people to get a real taste of the working
world. It can help them to identify what they are really interested in and to
eliminate career options which do not suit them. For those young people who
have become disengaged from education and/or society, work experience can
allow them to start afresh and gives them the opportunity to learn, use and gain
recognition for skills and competences, which may not be taught or sufficiently
recognised in traditional academic routes. Perhaps most important, work
experience is a valuable addition to a young person’s portfolio of skills and
experience and can enhance employability. In the current economic climate, this
is a particular asset.
Equally important is practical support for companies to take on young
trainees, as previous crises have shown that employer investment in initial
training, mainly through the provision of apprenticeship places, reduces at times
of crises.

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