Call for business leaders to shape Cumbria’s future workforce
Cumbria LEP is calling for more local business leaders to work with schools and colleges and help link the world of work and the world of education.
The newly formed Cumbria Careers Hub is aiming to recruit more Enterprise Advisers across the county so that young people have a better understanding of the local economy and the range of careers available in Cumbria.
It is leading a drive to identify business leaders with the right skills to work with senior leadership teams in schools and colleges and help transform careers education.
Cumbria LEP Careers Hub Manager Caroline Ledward explains: “We are looking for Enterprise Advisers to work directly with our schools or colleges to develop a high quality careers education curriculum, informed by what is happening in our economy and businesses.
“Employers can play a critical role in supporting our schools and colleges to deliver top quality careers guidance, making sure that our young people are prepared for, and inspired by the great careers on offer, here in Cumbria.
“National Careers Week is the perfect time to encourage new Enterprise Advisers to come forward. We have fantastic Enterprise Advisers and want to encourage more business people to get involved so that all of our schools can benefit from business expertise.”
75% of Cumbria’s Enterprise Advisers have said they have been able to make a positive difference to their school or college’s careers strategy and to young people’s careers education.
National Enterprise Adviser award winner Roger Wilson says: “Being an Enterprise Adviser is about making a real difference to young people’s lives by helping them to make really well-informed career choices, based on understanding the careers available in Cumbria.
“All businesses want to recruit young people with the right skills and attitudes and being an Enterprise Adviser is a real opportunity to help make this happen.
“Those business people who become Enterprise Advisers play a crucial role in helping our schools and colleges to develop a really excellent programme of careers advice and guidance that is based on business needs. It’s a hugely rewarding experience.”
Cumbria’s increasingly influential work in careers education and support for young people was highlighted with three awards being received at last year’s Careers and Enterprise Company’s national awards ceremony.
The county’s Enterprise Adviser Network is working to deliver higher standards of careers advice and guidance so that young people can make informed decisions and choices about their potential future careers.
Beth Nicholls from PPM Ltd, which is already involved in the network, adds: “It’s crucial that we continue to invest in our future workforce, and the Enterprise Adviser role really makes a difference to our ability as an employer to connect with schools and colleges.”
To find out more or to volunteer as an Enterprise Adviser, visit https://www.careersandenterprise.co.uk/employers/join-enterprise-adviser-network
Working with the Careers and Enterprise Company, the Cumbria Careers Hub is a group of 40 local schools and colleges working together with universities, training providers, employers and career professionals to improve careers education in the county.