Black Country Careers Enterprise Advisers celebrate success of programme

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 across the Black Country through a network of, currently, 56 advisers.

Colin Parker, Skills Factory director leading the programme said: “Here at the Black Country we set ourselves the task to link with 45 Black Country secondary schools with an Enterprise Adviser working with the senior leadership team at the schools. At this first anniversary celebration we are delighted to have exceeded that target and see so many young people inspired to move into the world of work.

“We greatly appreciate the work and commitment of the enterprise advisers, we can’t thank them enough, they are instrumental in making this such a success. We are now aiming to match an enterprise adviser with every Black Country secondary school, 85 in total.”

Stewart Towe, chairman of Black Country LEP, said: ‘The Black Country has seen some of the fastest economic growth in the country. Full time earnings are currently at 86% of the national average. Whilst this is good progress we have more to do, in maintaining this pace and trajectory we will soon reach our target to match the national average.

“We need to grow the number of higher skilled and higher paid jobs and ensure they go to our Black Country people. This programme sets the foundations for this challenge. I am thrilled to see it growing and being so successful. Congratulations on the first year, and an especial thank you to our enterprise advisers, for their support and commitment.”

Professor Tristam Hooley, director of research at the Careers & Enterprise Company, said: “Careers & Enterprise Company is excited about the work undertaken by the LEP. Today is a brilliant opportunity to celebrate the achievements and progress made in helping young people into the world of work.”

Enterprise adviser Adam Harris, from Atlas Forklifts, said: “My involvement has been helping the young people focus and prepare for their working life after school, helping them become employable is one of the major challenges for schools and the young people.”

Phil Caldicott, another enterprise adviser, from Agilysis, said: “To raise their aspirations and expectations is a challenge but one that will bring rewards in their future life. This programme facilitates the dialogue between school, young people and the reality of the working world I am more than pleased to play my part.”

Tracy Barnes, student development manager at Aldersley School, said: “We have been part of the programme for the last 12 months. Our enterprise advisor has supported both Year 9 and 10 with enterprise challenge, interview techniques and careers fairs – all vital and positive opportunities for our students to learn more about post school opportunities and the world of work.”

Adviser Steve Jones, from Expense Reduction Analysis, added: “This has been an opportunity to pass on some words of wisdom that may help the young people. I was surprised to hear that young people are not ready for work, this inspired me to do something about it and give some of my time to help them.”

For further information on the Enterprise Adviser Programme visit http://www.blackcountryskillsfactory.co.uk/schools/careers-enterprise-company-enterprise-adviser-programme