People from all walks of business and professional life are being called on to support the talent of tomorrow by becoming a volunteer Enterprise Adviser to their local secondary school or college in Cambridgeshire.
The aim is to grow an existing network of Enterprise Advisers (EAs) who use their skills, business experience and network to inspire and support 72 secondary schools across Cambridgeshire, to develop a strong careers service, help shape young people’s future and to bridge the gap between education and work.
Volunteers will join an existing group of 58 established EA's with the experience providing an opportunity to give something back, make a difference in someone’s life and to shape and inspire young people’s futures. From giving talks at assemblies, to creating a pipeline of work experience opportunities, getting involved in pastoral support, or taking a strategic role - no skill is wasted. According to the Education and Employers Taskforce young adults who recalled ‘four or more employer contacts’ are five times less likely to be NEET than those who had no involvement.
The campaign call has been launched by Growth Works, one of the country’s largest economic development programmes, to boost the Cambridgeshire economy and is part of their drive to inspire young people with expert careers advice.
Alvina Morey, Senior Enterprise Coordinator with Growth Works, said: “We are looking for people with a passion to help young people develop their future careers – whether you are employed, self-employed or retired, your individual experience matters. Most importantly, you will be dedicated to making a lasting impact on the future of young people and keen to make a positive difference in your local community. People volunteer for a number of reasons, including giving back, to build confidence and experience, career progression or to raise aspirations of local students. All volunteers will become part of a regional and national network of advisers with training and support to develop their skills.”
Among the 72 Cambridgeshire educational establishments supported by Enterprise Advisers, are schools, Further Education colleges and sixth forms. Included are 15 special educational need schools (SEND) and alternative provision (AP) settings.
Current Enterprise Advisers include:
Harvey Bibby, Marketing and Development Director of Grovemere Property, supports Witchford College. He said: “I have been a mentor to students for many years now and hope to inspire students to reach their full potential. Highlighting to students that stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to unexpected opportunities and confirming that the business world is not a scary place. I am passionate about helping business owners achieve the business growth goals through property and volunteering as an Enterprise Adviser to ensure we retain strong local talent to fill local jobs.”
Martin Lawrence, Commercial Director at Metalcraft in Chatteris, supports Cromwell Community College. He said: “Having started my career as an apprentice myself, I’m aware from first-hand experience the challenges young people have starting and developing into the world of work. As a former student at Cromwell, I was really pleased to have the chance to work as an EA to help the school with its careers service aspect. I am passionate about apprenticeships and also engineering and manufacture and enjoy supporting events in schools and colleges to help and inspire the next generation of engineers.”
Lis Every, Councillor for East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “With a background in education, training and business, I am convinced that the collaboration of both is vital to support our careers programmes in school. A culture of careers advice and guidance in school will enable our young people to make really informed choices when it comes to pathways and opportunities. Working with senior management, careers advisers and often the students has been a joy and a privilege.”
Marcia Davies, Community Education Team Manager with Anglian Water, supports Sir Harry Smith Community College in Whittlesey and Neale Wade Academy in March. She said: “Working with my two schools allows me to support students and staff over an extended period, using my business expertise to help them develop a deeper understanding of the careers, route into work and employability skills. I believe it is vital to engage with schools in the communities we serve to impact positively on attainment, social mobility and support the development of employability skills helping to create a resilient, skilled and creative workforce of the future.”
Sharon Livermore, Director of Kameo Recruitment Ltd, supports Cottenham Village College & Long Road Sixth Form in Cambridge. She said: “Being an EA means I get to work closely with the school/college and build a long-term relationship with them. I have used my network to find attendees to speak at career’s days, presented to GCSE Business Studies students, offered general careers and employment advice, and supported with improving the school’s career website page. I have worked in recruitment for ten years and set up my own business in 2018, where I have gained many valuable skills, which help in the position of EA. I am passionate about helping others, so the position of EA is fantastic, as I get the opportunity to use my skills and knowledge whilst helping the younger generation.”
Jonathan Tole, is an agrifood consultant who supports Ely College. He said: “I became an enterprise adviser to help young people reach their potential and raise awareness of opportunities to succeed. My time has been spent supporting the Head Teacher and Assistant Head in developing their careers strategy. The school now has a most impressive careers programme with qualified careers personnel. The school takes full advantage of all the opportunities available to engage with employers, further and higher education which will raise aspirations of all their students.”
Enterprise Advisers work with a specific school or college. They may support the senior leadership team and careers leader strategically, to develop and evaluate their careers plan, provide a valuable employer's perspective or offer opportunities into the careers programme. They may engage with local businesses and employers in their network to put a wide variety of careers opportunities at the heart of young people's education.
If people feel unable to commit to becoming an Enterprise Adviser but would still like to help prepare the future workforce, they may be interested in making a Talent Pledge.
To find out more follow the link: Enterprise Advisers work with local schools and colleges (growthworkswithskills.com)
Image: Mimi Thian, unsplash
