Scheme to match advisors to Blackpool schools

Inspira which manages the Lancashire Enterprise Adviser Network on behalf of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership is aiming to match mentors from industry with education establishments.

Mark Bowman, Chief Executive of Inspira said: “Our mission is to empower young people and adults so that they can reach their potential in life and career.

“We work across the North West managing and delivering careers and personal development initiatives to achieve this aim.

“Here in Blackpool we are delivering two initiatives for the Careers and Enterprise Company and manage the National Citizen Service programme here which is delivered by The Blackpool Football Club Community Trust, Fylde YMCA and The Challenge.”

In conjunction with the Lancashire LEP, and funded by the Careers and Enterprise Company, Inspira is working to build the Lancashire Enterprise Adviser Network.

Dr Michele Lawty-Jones, director of the Lancashire Skills Hub, said: “We currently have 38 advisers connected to the network throughout Lancashire, with over 15 expressions of interest in Blackpool.

“The goal is to link the Enterprise Advisers, who are volunteer business leaders, with a school, academy or college, and through this relationship help the education institution develop a comprehensive and effective strategy as required by the Statutory Duty to provide careers guidance and inspiration.

“By engaging businesses in the LEP’s priority sectors we are enabling young people to gain an insight into the fantastic job opportunities that exist now and in the future in Lancashire.”

Nine schools and colleges in Blackpool have signed up to be matched with an Enterprise Adviser.

Inspira said it was keen to see all the seven key employment growth sectors involved, particularly more Advisers from Manufacturing/Engineering and Construction and the Energy and Environmental Services.

Andrew Heydeman, enterprise coordinator at Inspira said: “Enhancing employability and enterprising skills, attitudes and behaviours throughout the education journey is a key objective.”

For details of the services visit https://www.inspira.org.uk/enterprise-adviser-networks