LONDON: Wirral Chamber of Commerce has launched Young Chamber, to bridge the gap between education and business.
Research by the British Chambers of Commerce has highlighted a growing gap between education and work and that young people needed more support to make the transition from education to work.
Young Chamber will support young people preparing for work who will have the opportunity of talking directly to potential employers to help make decisions about future careers.
It will provide an understanding of the skills employers are looking for, and offer insights into how businesses work, and will also work closely with schools, colleges and their staff to offer them business governance, proper careers advice with direct links to the business community, and an understanding of their employment needs.
Already a number of businesses and schools have signed up to become member patrons of the Young Chamber initiative, including Park Group, Progress to Excellence, Apollo Care, Tranmere Rovers, Cammell Laird, Cabfind.com, Typhoo, Oldershaw Academy, St Anselm’s College, Upton Hall School FCJ, and Birkenhead High School.
Wirral Chamber chief executive Paula Basnett said: “In an increasingly competitive global marketplace it is vital to the growth of our economy that Wirral will be able to provide a workforce which will have the right business skills and develop those with aspirations for entrepreneurship.
“Young Chamber will give us the perfect opportunity to work with both our schools and businesses to ensure that young people are fully prepared to move into the world of work or to start their own business.”
Kate Eugeni, Wirral Chamber’s head of training and education, added: “We are perfectly placed to support our children develop the aspiration and skills needed to benefit our local economy in years to come.”
Pat Young, Upton Hall School FCJ head and School Member of Young Chamber, said, “By engaging with successful local business people, our students will see what it takes to succeed and have the opportunity to analyse the skills and attitudes which enable some people to excel in their particular field.”
Design and games software creator, Peter Lang, of Giggle Software, has been appointed as a Young Chamber Ambassador.
