Call for more Enterprise Advisers to help inspire future careers

An appeal has been launched for local business people to volunteer their time to support the “Enterprise Adviser” initiative run by Devon, Plymouth & Torbay Careers Hub.

An appeal has been launched for local business people to volunteer their time to support the “Enterprise Adviser” initiative run by Devon, Plymouth & Torbay Careers Hub.

The Careers Hub currently has around 85 Enterprise Advisers who work closely with over 120 schools and colleges in the area to support their careers programmes.

It’s now looking to boost numbers with a recruitment drive, calling for more volunteers from local businesses to sign up to the scheme.

Enterprise Advisers are professionals from any business sector or background who volunteer their time to partner with a local secondary school or college to develop and implement a strategic careers plan. Using their skills, business experience and networks, they help them develop a strong careers programme that supports all students.

The Devon, Plymouth and Torbay Careers Hub works with mainstream and special secondary schools, FE colleges, Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and alternative provision, across Devon.

Jo Skeel, Careers Hub Lead, said: “We have around 85 dedicated Enterprise Advisers, and we are seeking more so that we can support even more schools and young people in the area. We’re looking for volunteers who would be willing to give up some of their spare time to support local schools. To deliver the best possible careers programmes, the huge benefits from businesses and employers help prepare our young people for their future careers.”

Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery and Skills, said:

“The Enterprise Advisers are ambassadors for the Careers Hub and they provide invaluable perspective from the world of work. They can build connections between employers and local education settings while also improving young people’s career prospects. Those who currently volunteer say it’s a great way to put something back into the local community.”

Councillor Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth, said: “Enterprise Advisers are a key part of the fantastic work of the Careers Hub, bridging the gap between the world of work and education, helping to prepare young people for future careers. They can provide valuable employer perspectives to young people, providing up to date industry knowledge and expertise. The Enterprise Adviser role is voluntary and gives professionals a wonderful opportunity to support their communities.”

Councillor Sally Cresswell, Plymouth City Council Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Apprenticeships, said: “Many young people who are in education will worry about the next step after leaving, having advisers on hand will help provide reassurance to students that there are programmes available to help students with employability skills and support them when considering their avenues. If you’re thinking about helping young people develop skills and to inspire them with their next step in life, consider becoming an Enterprise Adviser.”

Enterprise Advisers are already making a huge difference to the lives of young people across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay.

Among them is Lisa Tomkins, from The Met Office. She said: “What I particularly enjoy about being an Enterprise Adviser is the chance to provide an employer perspective on the strategic development and delivery of career provision across a school, to better enable students from all backgrounds to access the information and opportunities available for them to make informed decisions about future career options.”

Simon Francis, from Lignum Designs based on Dartmoor, said: “Being an Enterprise Adviser has allowed me to work with staff and students on a range of activities that help bring my experiences of the working world into the classroom. Witnessing the realisation that there is an actual link between what you learn at school and being able to use that knowledge / experience again in a work environment is what makes the role worthwhile for me.”

Jane Wickett, from Marjon University in Plymouth, said: “As an Enterprise Adviser in a local school, I enjoy being able to build connections between employers and students through my professional network, and linking education, business and careers together. Using my own career experience, I work in collaboration with the school’s Careers Lead, Careers Champions and Senior Team to set up many initiatives. For example, we have implemented a ‘Developing Aspirations’ Mentoring programme for students to provide them with the skills they need to become workplace-ready. I strongly believe that every student should have access to first-class careers advice. Volunteering for a role as an Enterprise Adviser provides a great opportunity to contribute to this.”

Further information about Enterprise Advisers can be found on the Devon, Plymouth & Torbay Careers Hub website.