Discover Your Future 2015-16

In January, 2016, we began a two term project working with inspiring female employees of Cummins Turbo Technologies, led and planned by Joanne Gwilliam, Supply Chain FE manager and Alexander Stelfox, Purchasing Engineer.

This program helps young people identify what they want to achieve and works with them to put in place goals and plans to make these dreams a reality.

Eighteen employees have volunteered for the mentoring project and will become role models for the 14 Year 9 Moor End girls who applied to be part of the project:

We were lucky to be involved in the scheme through our association with Business in the Community and our contact, Julie Cullen.

The Moor End students will attend ten sessions over the course of the spring and summer terms, both at Cummins TT and here at the Academy.

There will be an additional 1 day session at the end of the Academic year when a one day project will be completed, bringing together everything the girls have learnt over the course of the year.

Lasting for seven months, the two hour sessions involve: presentations by business women, Cummins female professionals and others on their career journeys – how they’ve got to where they are, what they’ve learnt and what they’d do differently, with time for Q&A and advice.

Various fun activities have been integrated aimed at improving skills.

Also included are individual mentoring sessions (with a female mentor) where students will work with a Cummins employee to set individual goals and working on personal areas for development.

The intention of this program is to:

• open up ideas for careers that may not have been considered before.
• Meet with successful business women and hear their stories and advice on how they have approached their careers and education.
• Improve life skills (giving presentations, making decisions, leading projects, setting goals…)
• And last but most importantly, work together and have fun!

The Commitment:

• the Project will last for 7 months and will include 7 x 2 hour working sessions - one per month.
• Mentoring sessions during which students will work with Cummins employees to set goals and work on improving specific areas of personal and academic development.
• A one-day project session in July during which students will share what they have learnt with Cummins’ staff and leadership.

The girls selected had to participate in a formal selection process and are extremely enthusiastic about the project. The development of their skills and confidence will be measured through evaluations at the beginning and end of the project.

Project Overview