Business urged to build stronger links with education to improve employability of students

The Education and Employers Taskforce, an independent charity, is planning the first ever national campaign for business leaders to visit state schools and colleges during the week of the 18 – 22 October 2010.

 

This ‘call to action’ is a chance for bosses from private, public and third sector organisations to hear first-hand from head teachers and young people ages 5 – 19 about how they can actively help shape their  skills, achievement and employability.

 

Taking part in Visit our Schools week is free to everyone and only requires 1 or 2 hours of your time in the week of 18-22 October to visit a school/college in your locality.

 

Hundreds of schools and colleges, of all types, have registered to take part.  Now,  it's time for employers to sign up and get involved.  If you are already closely involved in education, this may also be an opportunity to raise awareness of the opportunities you offer and your work to new schools, as well as encourage the schools you already engage with to work most effectively with you.

 

The IoD is fully behind this campaign.” Miles Templeman, Director General of the Institute of Directors

“Engaging directly with schools and colleges is one of the most effective ways in which employers can help shape education today to meet the skills needs of tomorrow.

“Employers and schools working in partnership can enhance the learning experience of children and young people. The Visit our Schools and Colleges campaign is a great opportunity to bring together business leaders with teachers and pupils. Mutual support, co-operation and understanding between business leaders and schools will help to continue to ensure that young people have the knowledge and skills which they need for a successful adult life.”
Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union

Big names from the world of business who have already signed up for visits include film-maker Lord David Puttnam; Sir Mike Rake, chairman of BT; Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO of global advertising agency WPP; Robert Peston, BBC Business Editor; Clare Chapman, Director-General, NHS Workforce and Sam Laidlaw, CEO of Centrica.

Members of the Work Place Learning Centre team are available to provide journalists and media organisations with expert comment on all aspects of learning at work.

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