Milton Park launches school engagement programme

Employers at Milton Park have signed up to a new five-year school engagement programme.

The ‘Explore Milton Park’ programme will give students the chance to learn about careers in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM) and develop their employability skills.

Funded by the science, technology and business community, the programme was launched at an event at Milton Park’s flexible workplace The Bee House. Ahead Partnership, a specialist in creating partnerships and programmes to connect young people to opportunity, has been appointed to develop and deliver the programme.

The programme will enable Milton Park’s more than 250 occupiers to connect with students from local schools and colleges between the ages for 10 to 18 through a calendar of 12 events and activities, including interview practice, careers panels, speed networking, ‘treks’ to visit different workplaces, work experience, employer-teacher workshops, video resources and primary school guest speakers.

Veronica Reynolds, Sustainability & Community Manager at Milton Park, said: “It’s been brilliant to witness the successful launch event of ‘Explore Milton Park’ with lots of interest from Milton Park occupiers. The team has put an extensive amount of work into the organisation and vision for this programme that will bring real benefits to local schools and students.

“As a crucible of innovation and facilitator of pioneering scientific advancements, we’re passionate about inspiring the next generation of innovators and creators.

“We want to spark curiosity by enabling local students to witness first-hand the local engagement opportunities carried out by companies at the Park and learn from mentors who are leaders in their profession. We’re excited to offer this through ‘Explore Milton Park’.”

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Stephanie Burras CBE, Founder and Chief Executive at Ahead Partnership, said: “We’re delighted to be working with our longstanding partner, MEPC – which looks after Milton Park – on a fantastic new initiative.

“Companies in the STEAM sector are on the look-out for young talent to drive forward the exciting innovations and technologies of the future. Tapping into the potential of local students and showcasing inspiring workplaces like Milton Park is a great way for young people to understand what it’s actually like to work in this field and inspire their interest in these career pathways.

“The focus of our initiatives is always on creating long-term impact and genuine positive change. Investing in ‘Explore Milton Park’ over the next five years to provide various ‘touch points’ between companies and schools will ensure that as many young people as possible can benefit and get as much experience from the programme as possible.

“We’ll be monitoring and reporting on measurable outcomes throughout this time, ensuring efforts are focused where they can make the biggest impact.”

The programme will initially engage with secondary and further education students from Ridgeway Education Trust in 2023 - the multi-academy trust which oversees Didcot Girls' School, St Birinus Boys’ School, Didcot Sixth Form and Sutton Courtenay CofE Primary School. Activities will take place both in-school and onsite at Milton Park, with expansion into more local schools to take place later in the year.

An A-level student at Didcot Sixth Form, said: “I’m really looking forward to taking part in the ‘Explore Milton Park’ programme, which will allow me to speak to employers and gain a real insight into the exciting work they’re delivering at the Park.

“Even though Milton Park is on our doorstep, it can sometimes be challenging for us to fully understand the range of the roles and career opportunities and what goes on behind closed doors. However, gaining that genuine insight will really help to point me in the right direction and develop my understanding of which career route I want to go down.”

Stuart George, Careers Lead at Ridgeway Education Trust, said: “We’re excited to provide meaningful employee engagements for our students through ‘Explore Milton Park’, with a view to improving their confidence and their future potential in STEAM activities and careers.

“Many of our students will be applying for jobs at Milton Park in the near future and will become the workforce of tomorrow. Strengthening our students’ horizons of the exciting work already being delivered here is key.

“The students can’t wait to take part and we’re very grateful to MEPC Milton Park and Ahead Partnership for putting together this programme. We’re confident it will be a successful initiative which delivers real impact and inspiration for our students.”

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