Chamber committee calls on businesses to support future generations

The Executive Committee of Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce are calling on local businesses to support the efforts of schools across the two areas as the easing of Covid restrictions sees more and more opportunities available to help young people.

The group of business leaders who represent their fellow Chamber members is led by Jason Challoner (pictured), managing director of Valyou Recruitment, who is currently serving as President.

Julie Poppleton, director of Careers at Chase Terrace Academy, is Vice President and Sarah Findlay-Cobb, chief executive of the Landau Forte Academy, also sits 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 business people of tomorrow.

Jason Challoner said: "A key part of my own business is set up to engage with pupils at Stephen Sutton Academy, with my office based on their premises and both Julie and Sarah and several other members of our committee already work hard to promote engagement between business and schools."

"After a very uncertain few years with the Covid pandemic, schools throughout Lichfield and Tamworth are now in a position to open their doors to the business community and continue the positive work that has taken place historically with Enterprise Advisor 's, school governors and businesses.

"The advice, counsel and engagement from businesses is invaluable to young people in order to make informed career decisions and we 'd be delighted to see more companies get involved and share with the networks the opportunities available."

Various schools and academies are Chamber members in the area, including the Arthur Terry Partnership, Stephen Sutton Academy, Lichfield Cathedral School and Landau Forte Academy Trust as well as South Staffordshire College and the executive committee are keen to publicise contact details highlighting when schools need support from the business community.

Any business looking to get involved can contact the schools directly or speak with divisional director, Chris Brewerton at c.brewerton@birmingham-chamber.com for more information.

Please see below how to get in touch and the dates on which activity is taking place over the next three months:

Stephen Sutton Academy - Burntwood

Tuesday 29 March - Y11 Mock Interviews

Tuesday 5 April - Y11 Mock Interviews

Tuesday 26 April - Y11 Mock Interviews

Tuesday 3 May - Y11 Mock Interviews

Contact Julie Poppleton on j.poppleton@chaseterraceacademy.co.uk

Landau Forte Academy QEMS/ Landau Forte Tamworth Sixth Form

Tuesday 8 March - Year 10 Mock Interviews

Wednesday 9 March - Year 9 Dragons Den Assembly

Tuesday 15 March - Year 11 Mock Interviews

March 21 - Year 11 Mock interviews

April 1 - Careers fair - All years - DAY event

May 16 - Employers visit/ talk focusing on Stereotypes within careers - Years 9

Contact Darren Bates on dbates@lfatq.org.uk or Elizabeth Meakin on lmeakin@lfatq.org.uk

Lichfield Cathedral School - Lichfield

Lichfield Cathedral School are currently looking for businesses to offer support around mentoring, careers advice, workshops, interview techniques and work experience placements.

January -December 2023 they will also be running a programme called 'Leadership Lichfield ' which will involve one session per week during term time for 20 year 10 students from other local schools.

Please contact Jo Brown, director of Marketing -j.brown@lichfieldcathedralschool.com