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For the last couple of years, I've been the Enterprise Advisor for Thomas Gainsborough School. This voluntary role, is usually a senior professional (in my case, business owner) who works with schools to offer practical careers advice & strategy.
It's something I personally believe is incredibly important. The future generations will be facing increasing pressures from an uncertain job market to dealing with Brexit.
The evening was a great opportunity to hear from the New Anglia Enterprise Network, Neaco, speak with the schools and hear the students talk about their career aspirations after education. TGS's Head Girl, Francesca Perkins-Taylor gave an impressive speech about why employer engagement is so important for young people.
As the owner of thebestof Sudbury, I speak with other businesses owners on a daily basis. There is an underlying theme that many believe young people don't have the skills or attitude to be ready for work. However, this is where we can help.
As experienced professionals and business owners, we have developed the skills & attitude you need to work. We understand and know how to behave in a professional environment. We know how to deal with a difficult colleague, supplier or customer, because we've been there, we've been mentored or we've just learned through experience. Why would an 18-year-old leaving school necessarily know these things, when todate, their education has been focused on academia and passing exams.
However, I can also assure you, that the educational landscape is changing with far more emphasis on employability skills. Students need to have at least one employer interaction at least once a year. The Department for Education has been working with the Gatsby Foundation to create “benchmarks” secondary schools should put in place. You can have a read by clicking here
There are myriad ways you can get involved; from becoming an Enterprise Advisor, to doing a mock interview or giving an employer workshop. TGS, Ormiston Sudbury Academy and Stour Valley Community School are always looking for employers to get involved. It's great fun and a real eye-opener. I think many will be surprised when you talk to the students how many have considered their life after school. They just need a bit of help getting there.
You don't need to give up most time - we are all busy people, but just a few hours every now and again can and will make such a difference.
To find out more, get intouch with Enterprise Co-ordinator Darian Vomund at Darian.Vomund@suffolk.gov.uk
