Unity City Academy has signed up to become the first Young Professional School in the UK and will begin the process of embedding the Young Professional Programme into its school in December 2017.
The Middlesborough Academy which is home to 650 pupils aged 11 to 16 is committed to its vision to develop well rounded, successful students who are able to make the most of all the opportunities that are afforded to them and has developed character and extra curricular programmes to support all students to progress. The Academy sees the opportunity to embed the Young Professional Programme into the school as an additional and complementary resource to what is already happening.
Young Professional Membership is freely available to every 14-24 year old in the UK, it provides tools and resources directly to young people to help them develop the skills and confidence for life and work. The Young Professional focuses on five core skills – Communication, Team work, Problem Solving, Self-Belief and Self-Management. Young people register individually to become Young Professionals, completing a short induction. Once that is complete they unlock an array of inspiring content, weekly skill development challenges, impartial careers information and peer-led inspiration to help them continue their personal development.
Gemma Simon, Principal, Unity City Academy said:
“As a school with one of the highest pupil premium numbers across England we are truly committed to the development and individual success of every student. We do not often get opportunities like this at the Academy, it is exciting to be part of this programme and our aim is to be a flagship Young Professional School, so that every child attending here knows that they will be equipped with the skills to progress into the world of work”.
The Academy will be working closely with Youth Employment UK from December through a series of assemblies to help all students in Year 9+ become Young Professionals. Student Career Leaders will be trained and supported to be Young Professional Champions throughout the school and staff will be encouraged to link their teaching to the five Young Professional Skills.
Laura-Jane Rawlings, CEO, Youth Employment UK added:
 “I am delighted to be working with the Academy, the ambition the school have for their pupils is exceptional. Under the leadership of Mrs Simon it is clear to see that this school believes in the future of all its students and that has to include more than just grades. It is well understood and documented that employers are looking for young people to join their businesses who are motivated and ready for the world of work and we believe that focusing on young people as Young Professionals whilst they are in school will support them to make that transition into work all the smoother”
Next steps:
- Find out more about our teacher zone and the resources we have offer here
- Get in touch with one of the team to see how we can support you embedding the Young Professional in your school, college or university
- Find our more about the Young Professional here
