West businesses are being urged to help young people become more employable by engaging in activities with local schools and colleges.
Many businesses already offer successful mentoring and support services aimed at making sure young people are work-ready and have the right attitudes and skills to gain employment.
However, more employers are needed to ensure that youngsters can get a real understanding of the world of work and gain inspiration from different vocational areas.
To raise awareness of the issue the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is staging a conference called Building Bridges into Work on October 2 at University West of England (UWE).
The conference, which is free to attend, will be opened by Bristol businessman and education campaigner Dr John Savage CBE, who is also chair of University Hospitals Bristol Foundation Trust.
Other speakers include West of England LEP chair Colin Skellett and Katherine Bennett, vice president, head of political affairs, at Airbus.
A new LEP Charter Mark pilot to be awarded to schools, colleges and universities in recognition for engaging business and producing work-ready students will be launched at the event, which runs from 10am to 2pm.
Mr Skellett said: “Business too often complains that young people are not prepared for the world of work. Young people are the life blood of business and key to our future success. We have to ensure they are properly equipped to fully contribute.
“A strong partnership between business and education provides a solution that will benefit young people, educators and business.”
Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) is one employer which sees benefits through the summer internship programme it runs with Kingswood Partnership.
RBS customer service manager Jamie Attwood said: “The internship scheme gives our staff the opportunity to coach the students so they too are developing their skills. We have often remarked that the experience and development is a mutual one and it is good to know we are putting something back into the community. As we see it, it is a win win for us all.”
Family-owned Wates Construction works with Business in the Community to run mock interview sessions for King’s Oak Academy Year 13 students.
Wates director, Dominic Somerville said: “It is great to see how the youngsters develop through the process and in response to feedback – it is really satisfying to see that we have made a difference.
“However from our point of view it also gives us the opportunity to spot potential new recruits and also encourage young people to think about construction and the variety of jobs the industry covers.”
While Airbus is known for nurturing graduate talent, it also encourages even younger children through its partnership with Ablaze, which provides reading and number buddies for primary schools.
Airbus graduate scheme member Heather Cuerden helps coordinate the reading and number buddies scheme for employees.
She said: “We go into schools and help individual children with their reading and maths. It is really good fun, very rewarding and adds towards Airbus’ work with the community. In addition it contributes towards the development aspect of my graduate programme.”
Heather, who hopes to become a product integrity engineer, added: “As a young person I have benefited through an Airbus’ internship which I completed as part of my university course and now I am on the graduate scheme. However, it is great that we are also helping even younger children learn and develop.”
Businesses wishing to attend the conference can register online at www.businessandschools.eventbrite.co.uk
Alternatively more information or advice about improving employer links with schools and colleges is available by contacting Carolyn.Griffiths@westofengland.org
The Charter Mark pilot will begin in October. Following review and evaluation the scheme will be rolled out across the West next summer. For more information contact Sue.Attewell@westofengland.org or visit www.westofenglandlep.co.uk
