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Could you inspire the next generation?

May 29, 2019

Guest Blog

By Andrew Hanson, Somerset Education Business Partnership Manager

Developing the Somerset Education Business Partnership over the last year has been fascinating and rewarding. I’ve visited major employment sites such as Hinkley Point C and Numatic, and met with small business owners and not-for-profits firmly embedded in their communities.

The employment opportunities in Somerset are vast – yet so many of our young people aren’t aware of what is on their doorstep. Why would they be, when so often businesses are tucked away in business parks, industrial estates and farm units?

The good news is that schools are working hard to inform and prepare their students by providing a robust careers programme including regular ‘employer encounters’. There is good reason for this, as research shows that students who have four or more employer encounters are 86% less likely to leave school with no education, training or employment destination.

At Somerset Education Business Partnership we connect employers with schools and colleges so that businesses can create a talent pipeline and young people can prepare for work. Why? Because having good skills leads to better personal outcomes and having high quality jobs strengthens our communities. We know this intuitively and the statistics confirm it – but feedback from our partners and local young people is the best evidence…

Corinna attended a mock interview at Haygrove School and told me: “It gives you the confidence to go into a real interview.” Cora, from a major employer that is supporting our work, emailed us to say: “It was so lovely to be recognised for something that has made a difference to young people and their family’s lives.”

We always welcome new partners to inspire our young people – and whatever your background you will have something to contribute. To find out more contact me on andrew.hanson@somerset-ebp.co.uk or sign up to our newsletter to see the latest opportunities. I look forward to hearing from you.


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