The BBC joined Enterprise South Liverpool Academy (ESLA) to provide students with a gateway to a brighter future.

The South Liverpool secondary school has been inspiring students to ‘Dare to Dream’ with its latest careers event.

ESLA welcomed the BBC Academy to the school for an inspiring ‘Get in’ event, introducing the world of broadcasting and media opportunities to its pupils.

Hosted by Radio 1 Extra DJ Yasmin Evans, the event highlighted the fantastic opportunities available at the BBC Academy. The academy offers plenty of opportunities for the next generation of talent such as journalism, production and engineering apprenticeships, as well as training programmes.

Other special guests on the day included the BBC’s head of operations, Simon Broad, who commented that ESLA has “a brilliant vibe” and the “atmosphere is dynamic”. Students had the opportunity to engage with BBC professionals and identify skills and qualities needed for apprenticeships within the broadcasting and media industries.

ESLA’s ‘Dare to Dream’ scholars’ programme is dedicated to inspiring and challenging students to be the best they can be. The programme extends support to students from years 7-13, providing them with access to Russell group universities, employment and apprenticeships. ESLA believe this taste of the real world and gateway to employment is invaluable to the future of Garston, Speke and Dingle communities and will involve every child by 2017.

Dedicated ‘Dare to Dream’ days take place for every year group each half term and run in tandem with the school’s on-going partnership programme with over 60 professionals.

The visit comes as the school are celebrating record outcomes for NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) students. All students now leave ESLA with an apprenticeship, place at university, sixth form or college.

Tony Murphy, careers and employability manager at ESLA, says:

“We were delighted to welcome the BBC as a global institution and one of the UK’s leading providers for quality apprenticeships and school leaver programmes. At ESLA, we are keen to ensure all our students understand the full range of options available to them. This was a great way of showcasing the range of careers linked to the media industry and what it actually takes to ‘get in!’’

Andrea St John, assistant head of school at ESLA, adds:

“It was so inspiring to have such a dynamic team from the BBC coaching the next generation of talent, the atmosphere was electric! A huge thank you to the BBC for coming along and showcasing the brilliant opportunities which are out there.

“We firmly believe that our dedication and Dare to Dream Programme has raised the aspirations, hopes and dreams of our students and increased their life chances beyond school. We have developed a truly invaluable platform to help our students be the best they can be and we can’t wait to continue providing a gateway to a brighter future for our students.”