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Siemens Helps Cumbrian School Reach Enterprise Education Success

John Ruskin School in Coniston is promoting career advice and opportunities with the expertise of their new Enterprise Adviser, Mike Jeschke, from Siemens, Ulverston.

Despite the collaboration only forming two months ago, through Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership’s Enterprise Adviser Network, the partnership is already blossoming with students at the school benefitting from a range of innovative enterprise education initiatives.

Mike has worked with John Ruskin School to introduce participation in First Lego League, an international competition which aims to enthuse students about Artificial Intelligence. As part of this, significant work is being completed with girls in year 9 and 10 to dispel the myth that STEM subjects are “just for boys”, with plans to set up a clean energy club.

The Enterprise Adviser Network is central to Cumbria Careers Hub, which was launched in January 2019 and aims to strengthen meaningful encounters with employers in schools and colleges. Working with Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership and The Careers and Enterprise Company, it supports 40 secondary schools across Cumbria to deliver world-class careers education.

Under the Enterprise Adviser scheme, local senior business volunteers are matched with a school and they work closely together to empower young people to make informed decisions about their future and link the school with valuable business contacts.

Peter Blackburn, Headteacher at John Ruskin School, said: “The link with Siemens is a really exciting development for us as a school.

“The plans we have worked on together will allow our students to benefit from a huge range of opportunities and ensure that they are in the best possible position to make informed decisions about their future.

“We are already starting to see the benefits in terms of activities the students can now access and look forward to the development opportunities it will continue to present for our students.”

Mike Jeschke, Enterprise Adviser from Siemens, commented: “We are delighted to be involved in the Enterprise Adviser initiative as it ensures that we are part of a local network of employers who engage and encourage involvement in activities at a local school in our area.

“This helps us to build strong working relationships with schools and colleges, ensures that we give back to our community, provides a better understanding of the local education sector and helps to develop our local business network.

This is a win-win for Siemens.”

Alison Beard, Enterprise Co-ordinator at Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “It is fantastic to see the initial success that Siemens and John Ruskin have had.

“Enterprise Advisers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience into schools and ultimately it is the students that benefit. Our Enterprise Advisers in Cumbria are exceptional and we are very grateful for the time they give us.

“I am really excited to see what John Ruskin and Siemens achieve together throughout the rest of the academic year. I also look forward to seeing new successful Enterprise Adviser partnerships, helping both local schools and colleges and employers to thrive.”

There is a range of opportunities in Cumbria for businesses and organisations to engage and benefit from partnership with local schools and colleges. Give an Hour asks individuals to volunteer one hour to share their career story and inspire the next generation; The Enterprise Adviser Network invites senior business volunteers to give approximately 8 hours a month to a specific school or college and work strategically to strengthen and support career programmes; and becoming a Cornerstone Employer allows individuals to represent their sector and give a Cumbria-wide view. Together, they aim to ensure all young Cumbrians are prepared and inspired for the world of work.

If you would like to be involved, or would like more information please email alison.beard@thecumbrialep.co.uk.

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