West of England mayor Tim Bowles visited Stoke Gifford’s Abbeywood Community School on 20th May, where he took the opportunity to announce plans for the expansion of a scheme designed to inspire young people and make them better prepared for the world of work.
The Careers Hub initiative was launched by the West of England Combined Authority and Local Enterprise Partnership in September 2018, to initially work with 25 schools and colleges across the region.
Thanks to a successful start, the Hub has now been awarded a further £166,000 from the Careers & Enterprise Company, allowing it to work with all 70 mainstream schools and colleges across the West of England.
The schools and colleges will be supported to improve knowledge and understanding of career opportunities and experiences of the workplace for young people, allowing them to make more informed choices about their future careers.
Research has shown that young people who have regular, meaningful contact with employers while at school are more likely to find employment or pursue further education or training.
Regional mayor Tim Bowles said:
“The Careers Hub is at the heart of my ambition for economic growth that benefits every resident. I want all our young people to realise their potential, by ensuring they know what the world of work can offer them, and that they have the right skills for our region’s employers.
“I’ve visited a number of the Hub schools and it’s fantastic to see how we’re nurturing and developing the raw talent of our region’s young people.”
Richard Bendry, associate senior leader at Abbeywood Community School, which became part of the Careers Hub in September 2018, said:
“Careers education, information, advice and guidance has become a real focal point at Abbeywood. Since being supported by the Careers Hub, we have been able to improve careers provision for our pupils. We have managed to do this with the support from our Enterprise Co-ordinator and Enterprise Adviser, and by sharing best practice with other schools in the Careers Hub.”
Photo: Mayor Tim Bowles (fourth from right) with students and staff of Abbeywood Community School.
This article originally appeared in the June 2019 issue of the Stoke Gifford Journal magazine (on page 13). The magazine is delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH, to over 5,000 homes in Stoke Gifford, Little Stoke and Harry Stoke. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.
