The Enterprise Adviser Network is a programme that helps prepare young people for the world of work, by connecting businesses with London schools. Business volunteers, or Enterprise Advisers, work alongside careers leads to develop exciting and innovative programmes that can boost careers education within the school.
One such school, Marylebone Boys’ School, joined the network in 2016, with Maria Beddoes being the careers lead charged with designing an all-encompassing and inspiring programme. Maria wanted to emphasise Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) as potential career options for her students, and so sought an Enterprise Adviser who could help shape their career education in these fields.
A trip to Microsoft
They were matched with Enterprise Adviser Aurelie Satterthwaite, Director of Sales at Microsoft, who immediately understood the STEAM message Maria hoped to inspire in her students. Aurelie initiated a competition, where students were asked to write an engaging paragraph beginning with the words, “Microsoft is…” and the 25 most original were chosen for a unique and stimulating visit to the Microsoft offices in Reading. This was a fantastic day out for the students, a real eye-opening experience with one of the most recognised global brands. They had a tour of the offices, had time in the ‘X-box room’ and were able to chat to interns and apprentices about their routes into the industry.
Students were also lucky enough to hear from the Future Laboratory, a ‘future business consultancy’ that tracks trends and investigates innovative future roles. They had recently worked with Microsoft to identify ten exciting and inspiring jobs for the graduates of tomorrow.
Exciting apprenticeships
Marylebone Boys’ School is also partnered with another Enterprise Adviser, Caspar Bartington, Education Relationship Manager at the Chartered Insurance Institute. He recently delivered an inspirational presentation to all Year 10 students about apprenticeships, giving everyone the opportunity to hear about a different route into employment that perhaps they had not considered. He also stressed that technology and engineering were two sectors that benefited from apprenticeships.
Aurelie joined in with the presentation, speaking about her experience as someone who receives over 2,000 applications a day and advising students hoping to make theirs stand out. She also discussed the apprenticeship opportunities available at Microsoft and how they could apply.
Students at the school admitted that they often saw university as the only option for them, but hearing from Caspar and Aurelie meant the route to employment had suddenly got wider and more exciting. A lot of them liked the idea of apprenticeships so that they could ‘make money while they learn’. And one student is already developing his networking skills having asked Aurelie for an apprenticeship at Microsoft!
Learn more on the London Enterprise Adviser Network page or by emailing us at [email protected].