WYRE Forest students will get an insight into working in a local business or organisation this week thanks to a new ‘Opening Doors for Business’ event.

During the week – from June 27 to July 1 – more than 200 14-year-olds will be visiting Wyre Forest organisations in groups to get a feel for a range of different workplaces.

The students will visit a local participating organisation to gain an insight into what it does, how day-to-day business is carried out and meet people who work there. The idea is to provide young people who are thinking about their career direction to have a taste of the real working environment and what different workplaces look and feel like.

Neil Morris, operations director of OGL, who chairs the ReWyre Board has orchestrated the ‘Opening Doors for Business’ event with support from Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier, Wyre Forest District Council, the ContinU Trust, Kidderminster College and organisations on the ReWyre board.

Mr Morris said: “When I took up the role of chairman of ReWyre, it was my vision to focus our agenda on grass roots business issues. ReWyre is all about creating a positive environment for businesses, visitors and investors in Kidderminster and Wyre Forest.

“The ReWyre board members – made up of local business leaders and Wyre Forest District Council, want to do something proactive to bridge the skills gap we have in the area.

“One of the ways we are doing this is to engage young people to show them that there are exciting and wide ranging opportunities on their own doorstep.

“Hopefully this will inspire them to look into the comprehensive training and development opportunities at our colleges and the organisations themselves and create their chosen lifestyles in the local area.”

Councillor Tracey Onslow, cabinet member for planning and economic regeneration, added: “There are some excellent businesses and public sector employers in Wyre Forest who are always looking for enthusiastic, willing people to add value to their organisations.

“By launching this scheme, we want to send a message to young people they should look closely at the local workplace for apprenticeships and careers where they can develop and grow.”

As well as OGL Computer, other organisations participating in the event include Amada, Brintons Carpets, Community Housing Group, Hogarth’s Stone Manor, MFG Solicitors and West Midland Safari Park.