THERE’S still time for York employers to sign up to inspire children to learn by bringing the world of work into the classroom.

York Children’s University is seeking 100 employee volunteers to take part in a taster week (May 23 – 27) in York primary schools.

Led by employee-volunteering charity York Cares, York Children’s University brings together city employers, the University of York, schools, their pupils and families.

It will support children, aged seven to 14, particularly those from disadvantaged areas, to learn through extracurricular and out-of-hours activities delivered by employee and university student volunteers.

Nearly 40 employees from businesses ranging from Coalters Estate Agents, Miller Construction Ltd, Tesco, York Marriott, The Press and York Teaching Hospital have signed up– but more are needed.

During the event, volunteers will deliver a lunchtime lesson to Year 4, 5 or 6 pupils at ten primary schools including Osbaldwick, Tang Hall, Westfield, Carr Juniors, Haxby Road and St Pauls CE. John Lister, finance director for Aviva Life Business UK and York Cares Chairman, said: “Employee volunteers are frequently able to bring learning to life for children switched off by traditional classroom methods.

“By demonstrating how school relates to the world of work, they can give children a sense of purpose and direction, showing them the future opportunities education can open up for them.”

One of the new businesses to sign up is Network Rail whose volunteers will be trialling ideas for a new module on tracks and trains, enabling children to act as signal men and women at St Paul’s School.