STUDENTS in Kidderminster, Bewdley and Stourport have been given an insight into work life at local businesses.

Firms including OGL Computer, West Midland Safari Park, Hogarths Stone Manor and mgf Solicitors welcomed in teens from Stourport High School, Baxter College and Bewdley High School as part of the Opening Door to Business scheme.

Now in its 4th year, the scheme saw more than 250 year nine students took part in work experience, which included meetings, shadowing interactions with customers and watching manufacturing in action, to get a taste of a real working environment.

The scheme was launched in 2016 as part of a partnership between OGL Computer, ContinU Trust and Wyre Forest District Council.

Neil Morris, Director of OGL and chairman of the ReWyre board said: “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.”

Cllr Fran Oborski, Wyre Forest cabinet member for economic regeneration, planning and capital investments added: “There are many excellent businesses and public sector employers in the Wyre Forest area who are always looking for enthusiastic, willing people to add value to their organisations.

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

Emma Porter, head of HR at OGL Computer, said: “We invest a lot of time into maintaining good working relationships with the local schools and colleges as we value local home grown talent.

"We have a diverse workforce and it’s that blend of fresh ideas with extensive industry knowledge that enables us to deliver high levels of service to our customers.”