Former Education Secretary visits careers fair
The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP) recently hosted its annual careers fair, with special guest Baroness Nicky Morgan in attendance.
Baroness Morgan, chair of the Careers Enterprise Company (CEC), joined hundreds of students from ten schools across the partnership, as they engaged with almost 100 exhibiting organisations including multinational organisations, local businesses, universities, apprenticeship programmes and other providers.
Baroness Morgan 's visit was arranged by Birmingham Careers Hub, which is funded nationally by the CEC and locally by Birmingham Education Partnership, and delivers careers support to more than 100 schools and colleges across Birmingham.
After speaking with some of the 230 visiting professionals from organisations such as HSBC, EY, Aston Villa, Network Rail, the NHS and the Royal Marines, the former Education Secretary declared the record-breaking school careers fair as 'truly inspirational '.
During the day Baroness Morgan participated in a special round table discussion with Arthur Terry students and heard how the school has helped them connect with employers and embark on their own individual career pathways.
In response to her meeting with the young people, Baroness Morgan said: “I was also hugely impressed by the students, and the amazing variety of things that they are doing to explore the world of work and employment. And that 's the point, because work in the 21st Century offers varied and exciting opportunities for young people, and this school captures that. ”
She added that the work that ATLP is doing around careers provides an example that other schools could aspire to.
Alex Zarifeh, director of Careers & EPQ commented: “The world of work is a prominent part of a [student 's] time at secondary school. The success starts with the support of our leadership group. ” Alex observed that this was 'really pushed ' by his designated Enterprise coordinator, Jackie Plimmer from Birmingham Careers Hub.
Alex commented further on the ongoing support he receives from Birmingham Careers Hub: Having our Hub Enterprise Coordinator come in every half-term keeps me on my toes! The online resources are great but having that regular, physical contact is the essence of our success. ”
Reflecting on the day Jackie Plimmer, Birmingham Careers Hub Enterprise coordinator, stated: “I am honoured to have been on the journey with Arthur Terry and supporting them to develop such an outstanding programme of careers education. Hearing first hand from the students today and seeing the difference it is making to their lives was heart-warming, inspiring and made me proud beyond belief. ”
Ruth Broome, Strategic Hub lead added: “We work consistently hard with Careers Leaders such as Alex to support them to implement a world class careers provision so that their students can take their best next step once they leave education. Seeing this in action today at Arthur Terry School is hugely rewarding for us as a team as it proves that the service we provide is making a tangible difference to the young people of Birmingham. ”
Critical to their mission is the support the Hub receives from Birmingham employers who help bridge the gap between the world of work and education, working with the Careers Leader and wider senior leaders of the school or college to create opportunities for young people. Businesses can get involved by becoming Cornerstone Employers or Enterprise Advisors.
If you are a Birmingham employer who understands the value of helping young people access the world of work, visit the Birmingham Careers Hub website or email [email protected] for more information.