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The ProjX work experience programme is designed and delivered in partnership with a range of local business partners and funded by Sellafield Ltd.  The programme provides year 10 students with an opportunity to develop and hone a range of skills and explore different interests as it provides exposure to a range of businesses, job roles and skills sets. It aims to help develop a number of transferable skills, including communication, problem solving, leadership and teamwork as well as the use of online platforms.

The project brief for 2021 will ask the students to focus on the site of the former Opera House in Workington.  Allerdale Borough Council is in the process of acquiring the site and the building will be demolished as it is derelict. This will leave a cleared, vacant plot within the town centre that is available for redevelopment. There are currently no firm plans for its permanent use so temporary options are being considered that can be put in place prior to a redevelopment of the area in future.

Students will be asked to look at potential uses for the site, focusing on a space for new business set up, encouraging entrepreneurship. Being an existing building, the students can research its previous use and focus on the location and size of the site when generating ideas.

The council will potentially use the ideas that are generated in their plans for the site so the students will have the opportunity to help form the business case. 

The first ProjX week of 2021 starts on 1st March. Volunteers from Tetratech, Jacobs, NNL, Lakes College, Responsive, BEP, Energus Nuclear Grads, David Allen, Allerdale, Business Toolbox Cumbria, West Lakes Engineering, Allerdale Borough Council, Armstrong Watson, Solomon’s Europe and Bains Wilson will join a group of students from West Lakes Academy to support the students to produce a proposal for the exciting new brief.

Find out from previous students and business about their experience below.