MORE than 30 schools across Dorset have been awarded £1,000 grants to support their careers education programmes.

These grants, supplied by Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), have been awarded via the Dorset Careers Hub, which is led by Dorset LEP in partnership with BCP Council and Dorset Council. Each of the schools submitted bids.

This hub brings employers, schools and colleges together to 'enhance careers education'.

Rebecca Davies, head of enterprise, skills and industry at Dorset LEP, said: "We are delighted to have been able to secure this funding to be able to further support schools in their careers provision. We received some really creative briefs and are pleased to see the money going towards new innovative resources that will help to make information more accessible and engaging for pupils about to explore their future career options."

Fourteen of the schools are set to invest in IT equipment, while others are putting the grant towards online platforms or developing their in-school careers resources.

Special educational needs schools have identified specialist access equipment to enable pupils to experience the world of work.

Rob Sallows, assistant headteacher at Beaucroft Foundation School, Wimborne, said: "We applied for the funds to purchase inclusive technology equipment to enable SEND (special educational needs or disability) pupils to set up and run enterprise initiatives within the school.

"This includes specialised switch technology to enable access for lower ability pupils to use household appliances such as a popcorn maker and ice cream maker for enterprise initiatives.

"This equipment is vital to enable students with a range of special educational needs to gain experience using catering equipment.

"This forms part of the careers plan for the school and allows pupils to develop their independence, team working, problem solving and negotiation, and communication skills."