Developing your Future Workforce

15 businesses, 3 schools, 1 agenda.

On the 10^th of May 2019 ‘Developing your Future Workforce’ organised by Daventry District Council and SEMLEP brought together Daventry businesses, school leaders and other stakeholders creating the conditions for bringing the worlds of education and business together. 

The reason for this? It’s been proved that young people who receive four or more employer encounters whilst in education are 86% less likely to become NEET (Not in education, employment or training).

It’s a fundamental part of the SEMLEP Careers and Enterprise Programme is connecting the dots between business and schools to prepare, develop and inspire the future workforce. The Enterprise Adviser Network is a collaboration of schools, colleges and businesses that are supported to work together to provide high-quality careers and enterprise activity that matches the needs of employers and the local labour market. 

Attendees heard from local headteachers and Enterprise Advisers, who showed like-minded businesses, the benefits and impact working with young people had on their business and to the young people involved.  

As a result, 14 businesses pledged to give something back to their local community by offering to go into schools to get involved with a range of employer encounters.

Following the event keynote speaker Marisa Baker, Senior Business Partner, Kingsley Consult said:

‘I live my life by the three C’s of life… ‘Choice’, ‘Chance’, ‘Change’. You must make a Choice to take the Chance or your life will never Change! I believe this to be the most important message we can provide the next generation… as businesses we have the knowledge and experience of the working world, which let’s face it is a tough old gig, so it is our duty to guide, advise and mentor those individuals who are at a loss of what they want to do!’

Vikki Morton, Enterprise Coordinator at SEMLEP said:

“There is so much enthusiasm for this work. Once you get everyone in the same room, you can see how all the elements of a local community want to come together, really do care and want to do something. This event facilitated that and we are now looking at planning the next steps to build on the momentum created, to help our young people, local businesses and the economy.”

If you are interested in getting involved with a school or college, contact the team at SEMLEP by emailing: vikki.morton@semlep.com, or register now to give an hour.