The work has been in process since 2011, when Philip Mayo, managing director of Premier EDA Solutions, started a youth development programme. The programme initially sponsored eight Year 11 students to attend residential university taster courses in engineering related subjects. This grew to 22 students and Premier now works with four local secondary schools. It offers six placements each year and has so far provided work experience to 15 students, with age and skill appropriate electronics projects providing them with a taste of the essential skills required for electronics design.
Derek Kozel, director of development, Investment in Young People, said: “The youth development programme by Premier is impressive and shows considerable effort in effectively preparing young people for the world of work. They are providing them with valuable skills that will assist their transition from education into the workplace.”
Mayo added: “Despite being a small company, we realised that with some planning, we can help connect young people with electronics at key stages in their skills development. We’re already seeing good results and we believe that any company – whatever its size – can achieve this too.”
Investment in Young People, a National Award run by Young Chamber UK, recognises the work that small to medium businesses carry out in assisting young people aged 5 to 25 gain employability skills and to assist them with the transition from education into the world of work.
