Chamber calls on businesses to support next generation
The executive committee of Sutton Coldfield Chamber are calling on local business to support the efforts of schools across the area to educate their pupils in the world of work as the easing of Covid restrictions sees more and more opportunities become available to help young people learn about their careers choices.
The group of business leaders who represent their fellow Chamber members are led by Phil Arkinstall, MD of Ark Media, who is currently serving as president.
Kay Burton-Williams, director of Student Experience at BMET Sutton Coldfield College and Gary Phelps, PR Consultant supporting several schools across the area, also sit on the committee and all three leaders are encouraging businesses from a range of sectors to contact their local educational establishments to offer support and time to advise the businesspeople of tomorrow.
Phil Arkinstall (pictured) said: “As a parent to school age children and a previous governor of Bishop Vesey Grammar School and currently of Plantsbrook School I know how important it is for young people to learn and hear the experiences of the business community in order to give them the opportunity to make the right career choices.
“The Covid pandemic has brought a huge amount of uncertainty but schools throughout Sutton Coldfield are now able to open their doors to the business community and continue the positive work that has taken place in recent years with Enterprise Advisor 's, school governors and businesses.
“Historically there has been some fantastic engagement between schools and businesses and as a Chamber we very much call on both communities to ensure this makes a much-needed return in 2022 and beyond. ”
Various schools are Chamber members in the area, including the Arthur Terry Partnership and Bishop Vesey Grammar School and the executive committee are keen to ensure businesses have contact details highlighting when schools need support.
Please see below how to get in touch and the dates on which activity is taking place over the next three months.
Any business looking to get involved can contact the schools directly or speak with divisional director, Chris Brewerton, on [email protected] for more information.
Bishop Vesey Grammar School
Careers Fair - Friday 1 April - contact Claire Bolton on [email protected] for more information
The Arthur Terry School
Ongoing online zoom sessions every Tuesday from 4.30pm - 5.30pm, please contact Alex Zarifeh for more information - [email protected]
Sutton Coldfield College
Careers Fair - Monday 4 April 2022 - 10am - 2pm - contact Jenny North, Head of Careers and Employment on [email protected]