ATL

Business and education working together

Chief executive of education charity Career Academies UK James McCreary asks whether business and education can work together so students are better prepared for the world of work

The people I remember fondly from school are those who recognised my potential and did not dwell on the shortcomings. Unfortunately not all of my teachers were like that.

For instance, one maths teacher, who coincidentally also taught my father, was unable to communicate with students who did not share his passion for sums. I was one of those unfortunate students and from early on he pointed out in no uncertain terms that I had not inherited my father's numerical talents.

On the other hand, I had a French teacher who, on recognising a similar limited aptitude, took a different approach by showing me how to be the best I could be. She showed me how languages would be valuable to me throughout my life and brought home the connection between what I was learning at school and whatever I chose to do in the future.

I believe that these experiences were crucial in helping to shape the career I have now.
After 23 years in banking, an experience working with disadvantaged young people helped me to realise that I also wanted to help young people to make that important connection between their school experiences and their future career, just as my French teacher did for me.

There is certainly much to do in this area. The 2010 CBI Education and Skills Survey found that two-thirds of employers believe gaining practical experience is the most valuable step young people can take to improve their employment prospects, however 68% are not satisfied with the business awareness of school leavers and 70% want action to be taken to improve employability skills.

While schools and colleges can equip students with the knowledge and qualifications required for a range of professions, they cannot provide this vital hands-on experience and, in many cases, the key social skills young people require to thrive in today's competitive workplace, such as presentation and attitude.

Clearly then, employers must step up and play an important role in equipping young people with these skills. Schools and colleges need to engage with organisations in all sectors, and likewise employers with education, so that young people can gain the practical experience that only employers can provide.

As part of this I believe that all young people should benefit from meaningful, preferably paid, work experience — not simply just making coffee and filing — and where possible try to secure part-time work when at school or college. Rather than distracting them from their studies, I would argue that this quality experience underpins their commitment to education, helping them to gain vital skills and make informed career choices.

Although more needs to be done, business is already playing its part by supporting charities such as Career Academies UK. Last year over 900 businesses, ranging from small enterprises to multinational corporations, worked with over 120 Career Academies in schools and colleges across the UK. Three thousand company volunteers contributed time as guest speakers in the classroom, one-to-one mentors, hosting workplace visits or providing paid summer internships.

Many of the talented students we work with believe their options in life are already limited by their surroundings or social background. Our aim is to raise their aspirations, so that they can make the most of their talents based purely on ability. Often all they need is to be nurtured by someone — whether that be a teacher or employer — who can open up a world of opportunities and help them to realise their potential.

Business and education working together makes sense. The more people who make informed choices about their career from the outset, the better our economy and the happier our community.

After all, as Confucius said: "Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life."

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Career Academies UK leads and supports a movement of over 1,000 employers and over 120 schools and colleges, working together to raise the aspirations of 16- to 19-year-olds. Visit www.careeracademies.org.uk for more information.