Students at The Latimer Arts College in Kettering recently organised a special Business Breakfast for local companies to ask for advice and support on how young people can succeed in the workplace.

Over 30 local businesses attended the special event on Thursday 26 May to contribute ideas and find out more about the College’s new ‘Raising Aspirations’ programme.

Students and staff outlined how the College is seeking guest speakers, mentors, workshop facilitators, work experience and apprenticeship opportunities to support the new initiative from September 2016 onwards.

Welcoming business representatives, and thanking the College’s Year 10 Food Technology students for putting on a grand breakfast spread, Principal Siobhan Hearne explained:

“Our students are fantastic young people who are also a real credit to the community. We need businesses to help them prepare for work and raise aspirations through a series of fruitful partnerships.”

Speaking to the audience, three students outlined their experience and goals.

Jem Cranston, Year 8, said: “I’m very keen on sport and when I’m older want to go into sports psychology, sports science or even become a coach. Not all of my friends have this direction so being able to see what businesses do would be invaluable.”

Jack Williams, Year 12, added: “I’ve experienced national citizenship service and visited Morrisons’ local distribution centre. I hope to become a police officer. My school has really helped me build self-confidence and given me a unique insight into working life.”

Amber Frost, Year 12, commented: “Our school is always coming up with new ideas to make teaching better, but we need business people to help us and allow us to come into work while we are studying. Any support would have a very positive impact.”

Attendees from the business community were equally enthusiastic.

Paul Tyler of Smith Hodge & Baxter chartered accountants in Kettering commented: “What I’ve heard today has been very impressive, the organisation and catering has been great and the students who presented themselves are a real credit to the College. We’ll definitely be following up and doing some work with them.”

Alasdair McNee, Managing Director at Wickstead Park, said: “I think it’s a very good idea to help students network with local businesses and learn what it’s like out there. Matching real world ideas with the curriculum is just what students need.

Former Latimer student and now head of Vivico Recruitment, Vivian Joy, said: “A challenge for young people getting into work is that when recruiters receive a CV they don’t know the personality behind it. If companies can get the right people it completely changes the dynamics of their business. I really want to get involved with this.”

For further details on how you can get involved in The Latimer Arts College’s ‘Raising Aspirations’ programme, please contact Assistant Principal Jyoti Pankhania:

• Tel: 01536 720300
• Email: JPankhania@latimer.org.uk
• Web: www.latimer.org.uk