We have worked with employers and teachers to develop a series of Work in Focus challenges. Each challenge is linked to an Area of Learning in the curriculum.
The challenges help to embed careers and work-related experiences (CWRE) in the curriculum. They also help to ensure that employer engagement is meaningful.
Who are the challenges for
You can use the challenges with all year 8 and 9 learners. This includes learners who are more able and talented (MAT) and learners with additional learning needs (ALN).
Employer involvement
Employers across Wales have partnered with us to develop the challenges. The challenges give learners an insight into industries that are important in Wales.
These industries are vital to the Welsh economy and offer exciting career opportunities for the future.
How learners benefit
During the challenges learners complete real-world tasks. They will develop essential cross-curricular skills including literacy, numeracy and digital competency.
The challenges also emphasise important themes, which include:
- Enterprise
- Creative thinking
- Environmental and social responsibility
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Decision making
The challenges
Each challenge has a sector focus or theme and has been developed in partnership with an employer.
A challenge will take 5 lessons to deliver and complete. We will provide you with a teacher guide and PowerPoint presentation to work through the challenge with your learners.
Mathematics and Numeracy
The focus and employer:
- Compound semiconductors - semi-conductor manufacturer Vishay
Science and Technology
The focus and employers:
- FinTech (financial technology) - Starling Bank and FinTech Wales
- High value manufacturing - Toyota
- Renewables – RWE Renewables
- Cyber security - Cyber First and Digital Health and Care Wales
Health and Well-being
The focus and employer:
- Welsh in the workplace - Cyngor Gwynedd Council
Languages, Literacy and Communication
The focus and employer:
- Tourism - Celtic Manor and Visit Wales
Humanities
The focus and employers:
- Food and drink - Selwyn’s Seafoods and Food & Drink Skills Wales, Mentera
- Life sciences - The Welsh Blood Service
Expressive Arts
The focus and employer:
- Creative Industries - BBC
Get access to the challenges
To find out more about delivering a Work in Focus challenge in your school please contact your Business Engagement Adviser or email us.
Supporting resources
Use our Future Jobs Wales with learners to explore Wales’ regions and industries. They can find out what jobs they could do now and in the future.
