Business Volunteering
The current careers landscape can be confusing, fragmented and unclear for many. Through our partnership with the Careers & Enterprise Company we help young people to better understand the modern workplace, develop skills and attributes they need to compete in today’s labour market.
There are several ways that employers can inform and inspire their future workforce. One is through engaging with young people in schools and colleges. The time commitment is flexible – from as little as an hour, given every employer encounter is invaluable.
Join the Enterprise Adviser Network:
By joining the Enterprise Adviser Network, volunteers from business help raise the aspirations and put opportunities with local employers at the heart of a young person’s education.
Employers are supported by an OxLEP Skills Enterprise Coordinator to:
- Support the school or college’s senior leadership team to develop and evaluate their careers plans
- Utilise networks to support careers and enterprise initiatives
- Help to ensure that young people have a clear understanding of the careers landscape
Support the 'Give an Hour' campaign:
Sharing industry knowledge and experience can make a difference to the options a young person considers for their career choice. Volunteering for just an hour to give a careers talk or take part in an enterprise activity can make a vital difference. Businesses can give a young person an invaluable taste of the world of work and help them make informed career choices.
What are the benefits to business?
Talent pipeline: A future apprentice, or talented employee, could be recruited following a successful encounter.
Being an employer of choice: Enhancing a business brand in the minds of the local community.
Fresh approach: Young people often bring new skills and ideas that reflect the interests of the next generation of customers, which can help businesses appeal to emerging consumer groups and markets.
Sector promotion: Positive early introductions for young people can inspire their career choices and encourage them to pursue a career in a particular industry.
Feel-good factor: iI’s the right thing to do – inspiring young people, building aspirations and building a strong workforce for the future.
WATCH: Take a look at an introduction to the Schools Mentoring Programme for business volunteers:
