- Black Country LEP connects businesses and pupils through Enterprise Adviser Programme
- 90 Black Country Schools / Academies and Colleges engaged to-date
- Programme success: 79 Enterprise Advisers working in schools
- Young people inspired to start mapping out their future careers paths
The Careers Enterprise Team at the Black Country LEP hosted an Anniversary Celebration event at Black Country Living Museum yesterday, 11 October. The event showcased the successes of the 79 Enterprise Advisers who over the last 12 months have worked with 90 schools/colleges and partners in The Careers & Enterprise Company programme across the Black Country.
The Enterprise Adviser programme is a national initiative which sees volunteers from the world of work working directly with school and college leaders to help address the lack of knowledge and limited engagement with the world of work faced by many young people.
The Black Country LEP is working with The Careers & Enterprise Company to roll out the Enterprise Adviser Programme, a national initiative, across the Black Country through a network of, currently, 79 Enterprise Advisers.
Colin Parker, Black Country Skills Factory Director leading the Programme said: “We are proud to say that we have 100% of the Black Country Schools, Colleges signed up to this programme. This is a milestone achievement – and goes to show the value of business voice in education, along with the strategic support that local employer involvement can bring to the success of careers in schools.”
Ninder Johal, Black Country LEP Board Member Said: “On behalf of the whole Black Country LEP Board I am delighted to see this programme continuing to be incredibly successful as it completes its second year. Our collective aim is to grow the number of higher skilled and higher paid jobs in our area and crucially ensure they go to our Black Country people. Programmes such as these are instrumental in helping us making that a reality as we see the Black Country economy continue to grow.”
Thomas Graham, The Careers & Enterprise Company, Chief Investment and Strategy Officer said: “The Careers & Enterprise Company are investing almost £250,000 directly into the Black Country for careers provision and enrichment. This is to increase those vital interventions that support the Government’s Careers Strategy, to ensure every young person receives a meaningful encounter with an employer each year they are at secondary school.”
David Woakes, Enterprise Adviser from Jonathan Lee Recruitment said “We see it as a privilege to be involved in the Enterprise Adviser Programme, connecting young learners with business. The specific interests around engineering and manufacturing sectors are crucial for the Black Country and its future. The partnership and engagement of Jonathan Lee Recruitment in the programme we feel provides a worthwhile connection that benefits all involved.”
For further information on the Enterprise Adviser Programme visit http://www.blackcountryskillsfactory.co.uk/schools/careers-enterprise-company-enterprise-adviser-programme