News
24 Feb 2022

Engaging businesses to inspire future generations

tony-elvin(896411)

Calling all Solihull businesses- can you help inspire our next generation of young people, asks Tony Elvin?

The labour market is like a piece of Swiss cheese at the moment ... holes everywhere and our young people have never been in such demand, but I 'm not sure that message has reached them yet.

With Work Inspiration a key pillar of our Solihull Chamber objectives, we have teamed up with the Solihull Careers Hub to help.

So, what impact could your business have and why is the link between schools and employers so critical? Research has shown that 86 per cent of young people are less likely to be NEET (Not Employed in Education, Employment or Training) and earn 18 per cent more than their peers after 4 or more encounters with employers. That employer could be you.

The benefits to young people:

  • Short term benefits on behaviour and motivation
  • Benefits particularly powerful with students who are disadvantaged and have limited networks
  • Inspire their future career path

The benefits to you:

  • Engagement by employers can improve the skills of young people which in turn enhances the talent pipeline
  • Engaging with work experience can develop the skills of the current work force in areas like mentoring and team building
  • Early engagement to support future talent pipeline

Each month, The Solihull Chamber will be sharing a monthly update of opportunities for businesses to engage with schools and how to get involved, from participation in careers fairs to helping with mock interviews, becoming an Enterprise Advisor or speaking at an assembly, there are so many ways for businesses, like yours, of any size to get involved, doing a lot or a little, whatever works for you.

Below is a list of the latest opportunities to help inspire the next generation, joining the likes of the NEC, Touchwood, St Basils and more.

We would love to hear about your journey, working with local schools so we can share your successes with fellow Chamber members and inspire others to get involved.

Schools currently looking for business involvement include;

  • Alderbrook School- looking for assembly talks from a range of employers, as well as 30 employees to support in mock interveiws for Year 10 Students on 12 July. Contact [email protected]

  • Solihull College Blossomfield Campus- looking for organisations to attend their Careers & Apprenticeships Fair on Wednesday 16 March. Book your attendance here

  • Grace Academy- looking for four employees to help with conducting mock interviews for Year 11 students on 23 March. Contact [email protected]

  • Arden School- looking for employers to deliver Future Friday sessions. Contact [email protected]

  • Solihull Sixth Form College- looking for companies that offer Higher or degree apprenticeships to attend Careers fair on 29 June. Contact [email protected]

If you would like further information, feel free to check out the Careers Hub website: https://www.solihullforsuccess.com/Careers-Hub

Alternatively please contact the Solihull Careers Hub team at [email protected] or Hannah Lardner Employment and Skills Project Officer & Enterprise Coordinator [email protected]

You can also contact them on 07769243658.

Tony Elvin, General Manager at Touchwood Solihull and Solihull Chamber President

Return to listing