Students at a Wrexham high school have gained a host of essential employability skills thanks to an initiative that facilitates a collaborative working relationship between schools and businesses.

Ysgol Clywedog has been involved with the Business Class scheme for four years and its success story has been featured in a newly published booklet.

The scheme, which is run by the charity, Business In The Community, in partnership with Welsh Government and Careers Wales, aims to support students to develop the skills, personal attributes and qualifications they will need to succeed in work and life. As well as employability, curriculum, leadership and governance, the scheme looks at issues such as financial education and attendance.

Miranda Cookson, deputy headteacher at Ysgol Clywedog, immediately recognised the benefits to students of such a scheme.

She said: "When we were approached to take part in the initiative by Lesley Lloyd, business engagement advisor with Careers Wales, we jumped at the opportunity."

The school was partnered with Nest, which is managed on behalf of Welsh Government by British Gas. Michelle Symonds, community engagement manager at Nest, was the school's contact for the duration of the scheme.

As an organisation, Nest had similar objectives to the school and was keen to help improve employment skills within education, as well as raising awareness of careers in STEM subjects and boosting pupil confidence.

Students from years 9 to 11 took part in numerous workshops covering everything from writing a professional CV, interview techniques, punctuality and attendance to responsible mobile phone usage and the ethos of customer care.

Despite the pandemic, sessions have continued to take place virtually, including work related education seminars.

Mrs Cookson explains: "We know how important it is for students to be ready for the world of work and we are keen to do all we can to help them in preparation for this next stage of their lives.

"The Business Class scheme provided synergy with our own work in school to help year 10 and 11 students develop good habits in readiness for their working lives, from being reliable and punctual, to using mobile phones in a responsible way. For example, Michelle used British Gas' Mobile Phone Policy to highlight the importance businesses place on ensuring their employees understand the consequences if they misuse their mobile phones whilst at work.

"Following this session we noticed a clear mindset change from the older students in terms of their mobile usage, which was just one of the positive outcomes from the whole programme.

"Michelle also encouraged our prefects to think about their role from a customer service point of view, considering their contribution to the school and how they can support and mentor younger students. This really helped prefects to understand their role more fully and how they have the potential to make a real difference to other students.

"The scheme has been extremely beneficial for our students in helping them to appreciate what is required when they head out into the world of work, and I would like to thank Lesley and Michelle for giving them this vital opportunity."

Lesley Lloyd, Careers Wales, said: "We are very grateful to Nest for its work supporting schools and providing pupils with valuable interactions that inform, inspire, and motivate young people in relation to their career opportunities.

"We're looking forward to continue working with Ysgol Clywedog and Nest and strengthening this partnership further through the Careers Wales School Valued Partner initiative, which gives recognition to employers who actively support individual schools."