A new scheme is aiming to develop relationships between schools and businesses in Cumbria.

The Careers Enterprise Adviser Network pairs voluntary enterprise advisers with schools and colleges, aiming to bridge the gap between the worlds of education and employment.

The scheme has already seen success across the country since the pilot began over 18 months ago, and has been running in the Cumbria since June, lead by Inspira, funded by the Careers Enterprise Company, and supported by the LEP.

Melanie Carr from Inspira is the scheme’s enterprise coordinator, and hopes businesses will see the network as an opportunity to influence education in the local area.

Melanie said: “Employers often say that school leavers aren’t coming to them with the right skills or knowledge. Signing up to this scheme allows businesses to have a voice within the education system”.

Employers who register as advisers will work directly with school and college leaders, helping to develop plans for careers, enterprise and employer engagement - drawing on their own local business networks.

Once the enterprise adviser is paired up with a school or college, they will be provided with a toolkit full of information, and - supported by Mel - given help to lay out the range of programmes available, such as speakers in schools, CV and skill building, and work experience.

It’s hoped that the scheme will reduce the amount of young people in Cumbria who are NEET - not in employment, education or training.

Melanie said: “It’s not a tool for recruitment but can lead to opportunities like apprenticeships and help the student to make contacts.

“There has been research done showing that students with four or more contacts in the business world are far less likely to become NEET”.

Chief executive of Inspira Mark Bowman said: “What the network gives is real opportunity for businesses to be able to engage with schools on a strategic level”

“I’ve worked with different businesses for many years and they’re saying that education sector doesn’t understand business and students aren’t coming out of education with the work ready skills they need.

“The long term goal is to provide every school in Cumbria with an enterprise advisor who will be supported by a team to help schools work towards addressing this skills gap.”

“We’re actively recruiting businesses and we’re really interested in developing further links with businesses, to make sure young people are learning the skills needed for employment.”

There are already over 20 schools and businesses in Cumbria signed up the scheme, and Inspira hopes to expand this over the coming months

Any businesses or employers looking to get involved and sign up as advisers should contact Melanie Carr at Melanie.carr@inspira.org.uk.