Businesses are being urged to sign-up for this year’s Takeover Day as Norfolk County Council begins preparations for the annual event.
Takeover Day takes place every November and gives children and young people the chance to work with adults for the day and get involved in decision making.
Led locally by Norfolk County Council, the event was pioneered by the Office for the Children’s Commissioner for England and is aimed at giving young people valuable experience of the world of work.
This year’s event will take place on Friday, 20 November and Norfolk County Council is hoping it will be bigger and better than ever.
Last year more than 100 children from across the county took part, taking over a diverse range of jobs, including the roles of Managing Editor at the EDP and Chief Fire Officer at the County Council.
This year it is hoped that more businesses will take part and recognise the benefit to their company and staff.
Annie Baldwin, Member of the Youth Parliament for Broadland, is helping to organise the day.
She said: “With the support of businesses and organisations, young people can understand more about the world of work, consider different careers, gain valuable experience and have their voices heard.
“This is an opportunity to show young people what it is like to do your job and to explain what the benefits are of working in your industry. Young people are more likely to become interested in seeking employment in a field of work that they have experienced.
“You will get a better understanding of what children and young people think about what you do and young people will arrive at work with fresh ideas, suggestions and a different perspective.”
Norfolk County Council was described as an ambassador for Takeover Day earlier this year by the then Children’s Commissioner Dr Maggie Atkinson.
In her report she highlighted the range of opportunities young people in the county had experienced, including the chance to debate in the council chamber at County Hall.
James Joyce, Chair of the Children’s Services Committee at Norfolk, said: “Takeover Day is a brilliant opportunity for Norfolk’s young people to experience the world of work, learn valuable skills and give employers a fresh perspective on their business.
“As one of those who had my role taken over I am keen to highlight the benefits for all of those involved and I would love to see more businesses take part this year, extending the range of careers and skills that Norfolk’s young people can experience.”
Takeover Day can be tailored to businesses and organisations from every sector. Last year the majority of the young people spent the day with County Council officers, ranging from the Managing Director and Chief Fire Officer, through to a Commissioning Manager, Public Health Officer and a Flood and Water Partnership Coordinator.
Young people also spent the day with people from a whole range of other organisations, including: the EDP, NPS and Norse Group, Lambda Films, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Norwich Clinical Commissioning Group, Chloe Smith MP, Brandon Lewis MP andthe constituency office of Norman Lamb MP.
The County Council is hoping a wider range of businesses will take part this year so that even more young people in the county can take advantage of what the day has to offer.
Businesses interested in taking part should contact Chris Williams, Senior Consultation and Involvement Officer at Norfolk County Council on 01603 495107 or email [email protected].