The Enterprise Adviser Network (EAN) is celebrating after being awarded funding of £150,000 which is set to benefit schools and young people across the Heart of the South West (HotSW) area. The additional funding means the project can continue in schools for another year.
The business project, which has already been running in over 60 schools in Devon, Somerset, Plymouth and Torbay, began in September 2016. It is being hailed as a success and many schools have chosen to continue running the careers focused project over the next year.
The EAN connects local business leaders with schools, helping to motivate and inspire young people. The project supports students in making choices about their future career, helping to shape and influence their employment plans.
Stephen Criddle, Chair of the Enterprise Adviser Steering Group, Principal of South Devon College and HotSW LEP Board Member welcomed the additional funding: The Enterprise Adviser Project started in 60 schools in the HotSW area just over a year ago, yet we already are seeing tangible, encouraging results and the project is starting to make a real difference to young people.
This is an important milestone: the project is gaining momentum and this means more young people will be able to benefit from the partnership that is being forged between employers and schools, meaning they have increased access to the world of work.
Steve Hindley, Chair of the Heart of the South West LEP, said: This is good news for our economy; the project gives employers the chance to support local careers advice and guidance, which ultimately raises ambition and business growth.
Paul Hobson, Chief Executive of CSW Group, said: CSW Group is delighted to be able to continue to deliver this important and valuable project in schools across the Heart of the South West area. There have already been some fantastic successes demonstrating how beneficial the links between business and schools can be, and we look forward to developing this further.
Funding for the project was secured by HotSW LEP, in conjunction with the four-upper tier local authorities. The Enterprise Adviser Network encourages employers and schools to work together to support young people in making informed choices about their future careers.
CSW Group is contracted to provide the service, which is being funded by the Careers and Enterprise Company, Devon County Council, Somerset Council, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Development Agency.
