Visit Knowle supports local school to develop careers programme

Visit Knowle has helped support a school in Solihull to develop its careers programme.

The new careers programme will include a local enterprise project, where students are set a real business challenge by a Knowle business – ranging from boosting trade to reimagining an empty unit – before researching solutions and presenting their ideas back on the same day.

The organisation has worked alongside Arden Academy and has helped find 10 local businesses to get involved.

The programme will build on the school’s existing work experience provision at Key Stage 4, allowing students to gain more experience of the world of work at Key Stage 3 and adding new elements for younger year groups.

Year 7 students will take part in a Take Your Child to Work Day, while Year 8 will continue with its World of Work programme, in which local employers visit the school to talk to students about different careers.

Several Knowle businesses have already agreed to take part, including Achill Guesthouse & Spa, Knowle Football Club, Knowle Royal British Legion, Slow Century Records, Caroline Creba Fine Jewellery, Love Property, Visit Knowle, Knowle & Dorridge Round Table and Eric Lyons.

Mary Lizsewski (pictured), Visit Knowle director, said: "We jumped at the chance of connecting even more Knowle businesses with Arden Academy, and we'll be creating our own brief for Year 8s to work on.

"It's another opportunity for students to get an insight into work, and now more than ever, it's important that young people get the chance to engage with local employers and see the world of work up close."