Suffolk youngsters seeking a taste of professional life can apply for a unique holiday programme offering exclusive access to some of the county’s best known businesses and organisations.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Explorers will spend time at the offices of the East Anglian Daily Times and Ipswich Star. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe Explorers will spend time at the offices of the East Anglian Daily Times and Ipswich Star. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

The Enterprise Explorer Days’ summer programme has teamed up with the East Anglian Daily Times (EADT), Jimmy’s Farm and Suffolk County Council to offer applicants aged 12-18 an opportunity to learn more about the world of work.

The week-long programme, which runs August 7-11, also includes sessions with MyGo and ICanBeA, with opportunities to work on real projects as part of a “fun and challenging experience”.

Starting the week at Archant’s offices in Ipswich, the young Explorers, will be able to learn about journalism skills, including content creation, photography, video and digital media as well as advertising.

EADT editor Terry Hunt said: “This is the first time we have invited young people into our offices to gain a real insight into every department, get involved in every aspect of creating pages and then take it right through to publication. Our staff are planning some great challenges and are really excited about working with an enthusiastic group of young people.”

The visit to Jimmy’s Farm later in the week will give the youngsters an insight into life on a working farm and how it comes together as a business.

East Anglian Daily Times: East Anglian Daily Times editor Terry Hunt said staff were excited about working with an enthusiastic group of young people. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNEast Anglian Daily Times editor Terry Hunt said staff were excited about working with an enthusiastic group of young people. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Owner Jimmy Doherty said: “We’re so pleased to be part of this fantastic initiative. Jimmy’s Farm is such a diverse business and is proof of how all kinds of careers can begin and flourish right here. Working alongside other business such as the EADT to help deliver these opportunities is a great example of how local enterprises can join together to inspire and hopefully nurture and retain talent in the area.”

The Enterprise Explorer Days programme was set up by the Framlingham-based Fresh Aspirations Forum, with support from Suffolk Youth Priority Action Group, to make the transition into employment an “exciting adventure”.

It has held sessions at the Brudenell Hotel in Aldeburgh and John Grose car dealership in Framlingham.

To find out how to apply for the summer programme, email here, visit here or call Jenny Stockman on 07773 328495.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Explorers will also spend time with Suffolk County Council. Picture: ARCHANT LIBRARYThe Explorers will also spend time with Suffolk County Council. Picture: ARCHANT LIBRARY (Image: Archant)

‘It’s a really worthwhile experience’

A participant in the last Enterprise Explorer Day says he “cannot recommend it highly enough” after securing a job with the company he visited.

James Hedge spent time with other youngsters at the John Grose car dealership in Framlingham over Easter and is due to start work today as a trainee sales executive.

Mr Hedge, 18, and from Rendlesham, said he developed a passion for cars after learning to drive and was interested to find out more about the business by taking part in the programme.

East Anglian Daily Times: James Hedge, pictured in the blue polo shirt, learns about valuing a car at John Grose in Framlingham. Picture: JL WILLMOREJames Hedge, pictured in the blue polo shirt, learns about valuing a car at John Grose in Framlingham. Picture: JL WILLMORE (Image: J L Willmore)

“It initiated the contact with John Grose and that was really important in helping me to get the job,” he said.

“I would definitely recommend the programme.

“Even if it turns out not to be something you choose to do, it’s a really worthwhile experience.

“It doesn’t take up much of your time and you get to know more about the sort of things you would be interested in doing.”