Businesses across Sutton Coldfield are being encouraged to support a scheme which promotes engagement between the business community and local schools.
The Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce Business and Education Scheme is an initiative designed to create better links with education by allowing businesses to give advice, support and opportunities to young people.
The scheme was announced by Sutton Chamber president Phil Arkinstall at last Friday’s Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth and Cannock Chase Chambers of Commerce annual dinner and awards.
Mr Arkinstall (pictured), who is managing director of Ark Media and chair of Governors at Plantsbrook School, built his business by giving graduates and school leavers opportunities to enjoy a career in video production.
He is keen to help future generations and is calling on fellow Chamber members to offer time and support to the scheme.
He said: “The success of Ark Media is down in a major way to the input, hard work and skill of young people learning their trade and we know historically many other companies in the area have enjoyed similar success with the quality of young people in Sutton Coldfield.
“Our campaign, the Sutton Coldfield Chamber Business and Education Scheme plans to canvass the availability and offers local businesses can supply to schools throughout the area and once that data has been collected share with the relevant organisations.”
Sutton Coldfield Chamber members will receive a questionnaire to provide information on their potential support for the scheme, in the hope it increases opportunities for young people to learn about the world of work.
The Sutton Coldfield Chamber’s Next Generation sub-committee - which includes Anna Jackson and Kay Burton-Williams of Sutton Coldfield College, Gary Phelps of Gary Phelps Communications and Steven Hannaford of Burley Browne, will be helping to promote the scheme through their connections.
The results of the questionnaire will be published in the coming weeks.
Members can complete the questionnaire now.
