Posted 9 December 2024

Learners increased their knowledge and confidence around specific industries and skills thanks to Go Higher West Yorkshire’s (GHWY) unique programme of ‘Go Higher in… Days.’ 

Aimed at individuals who statistically have a lower than average level of progression into Higher Education (HE), the bespoke events aligned with key areas of labour market development within the region. This helped to create a pipeline of future prospects for local employers. 

GHWY collaborated with its 13 HE providers, Uni Connect schools, and external suppliers on the events. It also worked closely with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), which co-funded four of the events.  

When designing the programme of activity for 2023-24, GHWY listened to the needs of its local schools. These highlighted six subject areas that had specific interests for learners, who would benefit from greater interactions with the industries. 

The events were:  

• STEM (science, technology, maths and engineering): hosted at Leeds Beckett University, participants attended workshops about Building Bridges into Engineering, Quantity Surveying and Economics. Read more. 

• Health and Social Care: hosted at University of Huddersfield, over 80 learners practiced with medical equipment to inspect ear canals and draw ‘blood’ from dummies. Read more. 

• Digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI): hosted at Prime Studios in Leeds, over 50 learners got to explore equipment at the active film studio and engage with local employers including Leeds Young Film. Read more. 

• Green Skills: hosted at Bradley Wood in Brighouse, Year 7 and 8 learners heard from industry experts including Lush and Equans. Read more. 

• Leadership and Management: hosted at the University of Huddersfield, Year 12 and 13 learners heard from industry experts including Adam Corbally of ‘The Apprentice’ fame.  

• Policing: hosted at Leeds Trinity University and run in collaboration with West Yorkshire Police, Year 12 and 13 learners benefited from a carousel of activity including blood splatter analysis and a self-defence class.

The events received excellent feedback from learners and industry deliverers. Chloe Baldwin (Creativity Conductor at Buttercrumble), who delivered a workshop at the Digital and AI event, said: “We need to nurture the next generation of talent, as they eventually become our colleagues and employees. The practical skills and guidance shared [at these events] helps to safeguard businesses and careers in the long-term.” 

A full evaluation report into the events will be available in 2025. 

Building on the success of this year’s events, a new programme of Go Higher in… Days will run throughout 2024-25. Agreements are already in place to continue collaborations with WYCA and new business partnerships are being discussed.