A NEW careers hub will link up schools and colleges with potential employers and further education opportunities.
Initially, 20 schools across the county will take part in the scheme which has been announced by the Secretary of State for Education, Damian Hinds.
He said that the resource would be a ‘valuable asset’ as children plan their futures.
The project aims to boost careers education and increase employer engagement, allowing young people to make more informed choices about their future careers. The Hub will be managed by Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
Katharine Horler, chair of the LEP’s Skills, Education & Employment Strategy Group, said: “The new careers hub will play a key role in the long-term success of our sub region’s economy, building on the success of our existing Enterprise Advisor Network, and strong partnership with schools, colleges, and businesses to ensure young people get timely and relevant careers advice and meaningful experiences of the world of work.
“This provides further support to deliver our Skills Priority Statement and will help lead to improved employment opportunities for businesses in Berkshire.”
Careers Hubs bring together schools and colleges with employers, universities, training providers and career professionals to improve outcomes for young people, through a relentless focus on best practice.
Schools and colleges will have access to support and funding, including an expert ‘Hub Lead’ to help coordinate activity and build networks, a central fund to support employer engagement activities, and training for a Careers Leader in each school and college.
Damian Hinds, Secretary of State for Education, said: “It is so important that young people get to see and know about a range of different jobs and careers so they can see the possible opportunities out there. Good careers education is such a valuable asset that helps children to explore future possibilities and go on to lead happy rewarding lives.”
