Launched in the summer, the Give an Hour campaign calls for employers in the Liverpool city region to offer an hour of their time to help school and college pupils prepare for the changing world of work
A campaign to encourage local businesses to influence the future of young people has beaten its initial target with almost 150 employers already signed up.
Launched in the summer, the Give an Hour campaign calls for employers in the Liverpool city region to offer an hour of their time to help school and college pupils prepare for the changing world of work.
The initiative, run jointly by Growth Platform – Liverpool City Region Growth Company and The Careers and Enterprise Company, highlights that in as little as one hour, organisations can help to transform a young person’s future by bringing to life different career opportunities and providing insight about the skills pupils need to be work-ready and successful.
Gill Walsh, senior enterprise co-ordinator at Growth Platform, said: “We had an initial target of 100 employers or employees signing up to the initiative, this has been well exceeded, and is now close to 150 and counting.
“The reaction from the business community has been really encouraging and their enthusiasm for helping and passing on invaluable knowledge has been incredible. We are now sharing school careers activities regularly with all our volunteers and still looking for more businesses to sign up.”
The Give an Hour campaign emphasises the importance of tapping into the career opportunities, skills and knowledge of business. Activities can include interview practice, mentoring, or speaking at career events.
Lynn Haime, partner at commercial property consultancy Matthews & Goodman, signed up to the scheme and recently went to Belvedere Academy for a career event. She said: ‘It was great to meet the future generations of businesswomen and listen to their aspirations.
“Hopefully by sharing my own story of the journey into the world of commercial property I can encourage and inspire others to follow suit into what is a varied and rewarding industry.”
And Rebecca King, learning and development Manager at engineering consultancy Curtins, added: “At the core of the initiative is the importance of businesses working with schools to support their career strategies, which aligns with Curtins passion for improving social mobility and educating children, parents and teachers about STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers.
“My experience reinforced the importance of education and business bridging the gap for students and creating opportunities such as work experience.”
Employers of all shapes and sizes are encouraged to visit click here to find out more and register to support a school or college in their area.