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16 September 09 - Plymouth Students Represent Region

Following successful paid work placements at the University of Plymouth and Foot Anstey solicitors, two local college students have been chosen to represent the south west at the launch of a national campaign to transform work experience into work inspiration.

Seventeen year old John Kitto Community College students, Arran Yeo and Danielle Thomas will form part of a 100 strong delegation of young people who will meet with 100 chief executives, as they pledge to dramatically improve the work experience their companies offer.

Foot Anstey pledged their support to provide young people with the opportunity to learn valuable skills and gain experience of the world of work. The company's action was prompted by the Backing Young Britain campaign, which brings Government, business and other organisations together to create thousands of opportunities for young people.

John Westwell, Managing Partner at Foot Anstey said; “We are delighted to say that the scheme has really worked for us, and two young people in particular have managed to use our association with schools and businesses in Plymouth to their advantage .”

The students will draw on the valuable experience gained at the 6 week internships which were co-ordinated by their college as part of their Business and Finance course and supported by Careers Academy UK . Danielle said: “I am really looking forward to going to the Big Conversation. It will give us the chance to ask employers what they want from us and it gives them the chance to learn from us what we want in terms of further training and job support. I gained lots of experience talking to people at Foot Anstey, so now I am really excited about meeting all the business leaders.”

Arran was one of four interns who spent time in a number of key departments at the University of Plymouth and at the end, delivered presentations to University of Plymouth Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mary Watkins who said; “We are delighted to have played a key role in this scheme which will undoubtedly open many doors to the participating students, giving them the opportunity to develop ideas, skills and knowledge outside of the classroom. I extremely impressed with their presentations which clearly demonstrated that the students gained so very much from this experience and made a real contribution to the university. Feedback from the departments was very positive and staff thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to engage with these bright and enterprising young individuals.”

Danielle and Arran leave for London on the 15th with the full support of their Principal, Pete Grainger; “We at John Kitto Community College are delighted that Danielle and Arran are going to represent south west schools by taking part in the Big Conversation. This is a wonderful opportunity for young people to have their say with business leaders. We thank Foot Anstey and the University of Plymouth who have already given them a head start in understanding the world of work.”

The high profile event, run by Business in the Community, will be launched by Stuart Rose, CEO of Mark’s and Spencer’s, and will bring 100 CEO’s from around Britain together with 100 young people to discuss their aspirations, expectations and experiences about the world of work, aiming to better understand how to address the current disconnection between that and the classroom. Other companies committing to the campaign include Accenture, BT, Sunday Times, MacDonald’s and Royal Mail.

Sir Stuart Rose said: “Our success as a nation is dependent on the future workforce. This is the start of a national business-led movement to get employers across the country to improve the work experience they offer. The calibre of the CEOs attending is testament to how important an issue this is.”

In the two way dialogue, which takes place at Old Spitalfields Market, young people from around the country, between ages 16 – 19, will urge business leaders to up their game when it comes to providing that critical first experience of work.

Following The Big Conversation event Danielle and Arran will be expected to stay engaged by becoming Young Ambassadors of the campaign, spreading key messages as to how it has helped them, and why other South West businesses should follow Foot Anstey’s lead by mobilising around it.

John Westwell, Managing Partner at Foot Anstey said; “We are absolutely delighted to be providing these internships to young people and if more follow our lead, our future workforce will be better trained and more job-ready. In a tough labour market it is critical we do our part to ensure this generation is not trapped by unemployment. I urge young people to approach other South West employers and ask if they are able to offer them a similar chance.”