Business owners needed to help shape careers programme

November 28, 2017 by Southend Borough Council

Tuesday 28 November 2017

The council are calling for local businesses volunteers to become Enterprise Advisors as part of a national project to inspire and prepare young people for the world of employment.

The Careers and Enterprise Company created the Enterprise Advisor Network to connect schools and colleges with businesses and career providers to create employer engagement programmes for students. It has been tailored locally to meet the need of Southend’s young people, businesses and schools.

The network is based on evidence that a young person who meets with an employer four or more times is 86% less likely to be unemployed or not in education or training, and can earn up to 18% more during their career.

At the moment only 40% of schools offer young people this type of experience, and unemployment among young people is three times higher than overall unemployment.

Local businesses and employers are needed to help close this gap by bringing employers, schools and colleges together to prepare effective careers development programmes. This will give employers the opportunity to support the development of the future workforce and young people can take part in programmes and activities that will prepare them for the world of employment.

Cllr Ann Holland, Executive Councillor for Culture, Tourism and the Economy, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for local employers and career providers to share their knowledge and skills with staff in schools and colleges.

“Creating career development programmes that are based on years of experience and focused to meet the needs of both students and employers will provide great benefits to both sides.
“I hope many of our local businesses and workforce will become Enterprise Advisors and share their expertise with local schools and colleges, to prepare our young people for the world of work.”

One Enterprise Advisor volunteer Vanissa Amliwana, Founder & Managing Director of Career SOS, working with Chase High School said: “I am a passionate careers champion, keen to raise aspiration and ensure that opportunities in education, learning and work are accessible to all. It is a privilege to be an Enterprise Adviser and be able to support the next generation to achieve their full potential, as well as give something back to my own local community - what an honour!”

To find out more about becoming part of the Enterprise Advisors Network please visit www.southend.gov.uk/Enterprise or email: economicd@southend.gov.uk.