The ambitious programme to help North East school pupils gain valuable advice from business leaders on what employers are looking for, and possible career choices, has hit 24,000 student hours.
In June 2017 North East England Chamber of Commerce pledged to support Esh Group’s Building My Skills (BMS) by encouraging its member businesses to go into schools. As part of this work Kim Miljus Managing Director Global North East, the media and entertainment company, visited Biddick Academy, Washington.
She said: “The BMS programme is hugely important to the future of our region. Bringing education and business together is a good thing. It helps the education providers to understand what real career opportunities there are across the NE, students to be informed and inspired and business to meet the future work force.
“By meeting with young adults and opening their minds to the career opportunities and possibilities there are here in the NE, I hope to inspire them and encourage them to think about an exciting career and be more ambitious by building their skills.”
As part of her presentation to 200 Year 10 pupils she told them the story of Global Media in the region and some of the young people’s background in her team, some of them who are not that much older than the students. She explained the roles and open the students’ minds to many careers that they probably didn’t know existed. Some of her team also shared their stories, their route to their career and their top tips.
Paul Brown, assistant head, Biddick Academy said: “It has been a really useful employability programme for all our pupils who have learnt such a lot from people in the business community.”
Sam Scott, head of year 10 at Biddick Academy added: “All of the resources which come with BMS are fantastic for us. The companies have given us a host of tips from how to write CVs to ensuring their social media profile helps to promote them effectively.”
The BMS programme gives students, aged 14-19 years old first-hand knowledge of careers from industry professionals, interview practice and employers’ advice on how to compile CVs.
Paul Carbert, Chamber policy adviser said: “We are delighted to have provided 24,000 hours of learner activity delivered by Chamber members. The BMS programme is a great way for businesses to engage with schools and young people, and share their knowledge of career opportunities. Through sessions like those delivered by Global Media, students are finding out how to prepare for the world of work, and what is expected by employers. We are constantly looking for ways for businesses and education to work closely together and BMS does this perfectly.”
A total of 49 schools around the region take part in the BMS programme every year, with students who have attended all time-tabled sessions and committed to completing their employability portfolio being invited to a mock interview day at the end of the academic year.
The call is also out now for the next round of employers to take part in helping educate North East pupils on the world of work and what they need to succeed. Further information is available from Victoria McCormick on Victoria.McCormick@esh.uk.com or http://www.eshgroup.co.uk/added-value/community/building-my-skills/