Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has secured £100,000 in funding for enterprise education in schools and colleges.
Worcestershire is leading the way and has been allocated funding in the first wave of The Careers & Enterprise Company’s national programme.
The funds will provide dedicated Enterprise Co-ordinators, which will form part of a nationwide network. Their work will enhance and support schemes that promote innovation for example, the Young Enterprise Scheme, as well as careers advice and preparing young people for the world of work.
The national programme is designed to motivate young people, help them to make more informed choices and achieve against those choices in and out of school by increasing the national coverage and effectiveness of employer-school interactions.
Engagement will be starting in schools and colleges in September with the money becoming available to the Worcestershire LEP during 2015/16.
Robin Walker, Worcester’s MP and Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Education Secretary, said: “I have always believed that connecting schools and businesses is vital to improve careers advice and everybody benefits from real business people speaking directly to school pupils. I am delighted that, having raised the need for this funding with the Department for Education, they have now announced it is being supported by the new Careers Company. With youth unemployment in Worcestershire already at an all-time low, this will further add to the life chances of local young people.”
Gary Woodman, Executive Director of the Worcestershire LEP, said, “To be included in the first wave of funding in this national scheme is fantastic news. This will provide Worcestershire LEP with a fantastic opportunity to work with employers, schools and colleges to further enhance skills locally.
“I would like to encourage all local businesses to take all opportunities to work with educational organisations to help support the growth and development of our future workforce.”
Cllr. Simon Geraghty, Deputy Leader of Worcestershire County Council and Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy, Skills and Infrastructure, said, “We are always working to provide the County’s future generations with the skills and work-based experience required for a successful career and future. This funding complements the County’s Connecting Schools and Businesses programme which seeks to give meaningful work experience which directly links to companies in Worcestershire.”
Further information can be found on the Careers & Enterprise Company website.
Businesses can sign up to the Connecting Schools and Businesses today at www.worcestershireskillscentral.co.uk.