News and Views

COULD you volunteer time to inspire the young people of Cumbria?

The hunt is on for business leaders to become Enterprise Advisers. It’s a national scheme coordinated by the Cumbria Careers Hub – part of Cumbria LEP - working to bridge the gap between the world of work and education.

The aim is to connect businesses and employers to schools across Cumbria to help prepare young people for their future careers.

Enterprise Advisers can come from a variety of industry sectors and professional backgrounds, be that employed, self-employed or recently retired.

As an Enterprise Adviser you’ll be in a unique position to use your business experience to work alongside and support Careers Leaders to develop an outstanding careers education programme that will inspire young people, prepare them for when they leave education and ultimately demystify what employers look for in their future talent.

The service is on the hunt for advisors to support the following secondary schools:

• Millom School, Millom
• Settlebeck, Sedbergh
• Sandgate School, Kendal
• Queen Katharine School, Kendal
• Dallam School, Milnthorpe

Jo Lappin, Chief Executive at the Cumbria LEP, said:

“Cumbria’s declining working age population means that it’s really important that our young people know what great opportunities are available and that they can build a successful career, here. Enterprise Advisers help make sure that all of our young people receive outstanding, relevant careers education to help them plan their future. Cumbria is home to a wide range of diverse industries and businesses, so whatever young people want to do, they can do it here.

“By becoming Enterprise Advisers, business leaders will play an important role in developing our future workforce and really give something back by supporting our next generation.”

Cath Howard, Environment & Sustainability Specialist at Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick Enterprise Adviser at Workington Academy said:

“Being an Enterprise Advisor is a fantastic way to support a local school, helping senior staff to achieve their goals around employer engagement and to help raise the aspirations, knowledge and awareness amongst local pupils. It’s also great for personal development and I can use the networks I’ve built up through work to help ensure the school can help students realise their dreams.”

Volunteering as an Enterprise Adviser can be incredibly rewarding and is a great opportunity to:

• Use or develop your strategic planning skills
• Help shape the future workforce
• Deepen your connection to the local community
• Showcase your Company and help Cumbria’s economy to grow and prosper

In a recent national survey of Enterprise Advisers, 100% of Cumbria’s respondents said they would recommend being an Enterprise Adviser to others.

To find out more visit and apply www.careershubcumbria.co.uk/employers-volunteers/enterprise-advisors/.