Two schools in North Somerset are helping to prepare their students for the world of work by linking up with a local enterprise adviser.
Clevedon School and North Somerset Enterprise and Technology College (NSETC), in Weston, are working with Clevedon business leader Paul Anslow to help them target career advice and work experience to suit the needs of their students and local busineses.
The scheme has been set up to help pupils gain meaningful career advice and work experience which is linked to their long-term aspirations.
There are now 32 enterprise advisers paired with schools across North Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset.
Business volunteers are trained to work with schools to develop employer engagement plans which help students gain an understanding of business sectors, make the most of job opportunities, develop relevant skills and choose appropriate qualifications.
The scheme is managed by the West of England Combined Authority and Local Enterprise Partnership and the organisation wants more advisers to support schools, especially in health, low-carbon and logistics sectors.
Paul Anslow, who owns Triangle Networks in Clevedon, has been working with NSETC for a year to help it develop its work experience offering.
He said: “There is no reason why schools’ work experience programmes can’t be as brilliant as their exam results or sporting achievements.
“As an enterprise adviser I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to school plans, experience the talent coming through schools and achieve real results for the next generation.
“It’s a chance to make a difference at a strategic level with local support from a growing network of advisers.”
Paul has just started working at Clevedon School with careers adviser Sue Jones. She said: “It’s really important for our school to have better links with the local business community.
“Having an enterprise adviser on board to both help us tailor programme and promote our students will help school leaders on careers in a busy timetable.” For details, email enterprise@westofengand-ca.gov.uk
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