12 Feb 2026

Whitworth Park students excel in NextGen work experience

Four Year 11 students from Whitworth Park Academy are achieving what many only experience after leaving school — three months of hands‑on learning with our joinery, plumbing, plastering and electrical operatives.

Charlie, Hayden, Harrison and Jayden have also completed online training in essential safety and technical skills, even giving up some of their school holidays to keep learning.

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2026, their progress shows the impact of early, real‑world experience. Since joining NextGen in October, they have shown real drive for their future, boosting school attendance by 12% and building the skills and confidence needed for an apprenticeship.

With support from Livin Futures and Mears, they are already linking up with local employers, building skills that will benefit them and our communities.

Jayden Mole, Whitworth Park Student, said; "I work with a different operative one day a week and the best best part about it is i get to learn skills from all different trades, its helped me gain a lot of experience"

Helen Johnson, Livin Futures Manager, said; “I am really excited to see what can be achieved by completing the programme. It’s great to see the impact this course is having on students’ attendance and motivation at school. I have great hopes for all students to progress onto an apprenticeship."

Find out more about our NextGen pathway here. If you are an employer looking to recruit an apprentice this year and would like to know more about the programme, you can get in touch with us here.

Pictured: Davey Ewin (Voids supervisor, Mears), Helen Johnson (Livin Futures Manager) Charlie Plummer, Hayden Lepoidevin, Harrison Day, Jayden Mole (Whitworth Park Students).

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