TRAINING in Worcestershire is at a regional high with two schools achieving the full set of benchmarks.

The has achieved the Midlands’ highest average and growth for the number of Gatsby Benchmarks achieved by schools and colleges.

The announcement follows the Careers and Enterprise Company’s launch of the ‘State of the Nation’ report, and caps a hugely successful first year for the Worcestershire Careers Hub and their drive to support schools to achieve the Gatsby Benchmarks.

These Benchmarks are a framework of 8 guidelines contained within the Government’s National Careers Strategy that define the best careers provision in schools and colleges.

Worcestershire’s schools and colleges had recently attended a county-wide event to celebrate their progress in achieving the 8 Gatsby Benchmarks. Two schools: Haybridge High School and Sixth Form and Tenbury High Ormiston Academy, were successful in achieving all 8 Gatsby Benchmarks.

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Gary Woodman, chief executive of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The impact that the Worcestershire Careers Hub has had within 12 months has been nothing short of exceptional.

"The county’s schools, colleges and enterprise advisors have worked together seamlessly to deliver one of the UK’s best careers guidance programmes for young people and it’s no surprise that the Hub has been shortlisted for a national Careers Excellence Award.”

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Cllr Marcus Hart, cabinet member with responsibility for education and skills at Worcestershire County Council, added: “We’re delighted to see that Worcestershire has been successful in achieving the Midlands’ highest average of Gatsby Benchmarks obtained.

"By providing younger generations with the best levels of careers guidance, our county’s schools, colleges and careers hub are helping communities to thrive in the world of work now and in the future.”

Ben Mannion, director of Hewett Recruitment and chair of Worcestershire LEP’s Future Skills Board, said: “It’s brilliant to see the progress that has been made to develop and deliver a high standard of careers guidance across Worcestershire."