Lincolnshire's first Enterprise Adviser Network meeting was held virtually earlier this month.

There was a great turn-out of senior business leaders at this milestone for Lincolnshire's Enterprise Adviser Network. Almost 30 advisers met to share ideas on how to support careers education in schools and colleges across Greater Lincolnshire.

The main purpose of the Enterprise Adviser Network is to link education and business through individuals from the world of work. These Enterprise Advisers volunteer a few hours each month to provide support and mentoring to one school or college. The overall aim is to help develop a stable and aspirational careers programme in the school or college, and to increase the number of experiences that young people have with businesses.

Clare Hughes, Skills Manager for the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, thanked the advisers for the critically important role they play in ensuring our young people are more work-ready, inspired and supported with their career aspirations.
 

Evidence suggests that the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic will be challenging, and the employment prospects of young people will benefit from engaging with more local businesses. It's vital that the business community continues to support schools and colleges in preparing young people for the world of work.  As well as providing much need input to schools, being an Enterprise Adviser also allows businesses to raise the profile of their organisation and sector, tap into the local talent pool and give something back to their local community.

Over the coming months the LEP will continue to expand the network by engaging with more schools and recruiting new Enterprise Advisers. One priority for the network is to overcome the challenge of physical meetings. The group is looking at how we can connect employers and schools virtually, given the current circumstances.

If you would like to know more about the Enterprise Adviser Network, or if you're interested in supporting schools and colleges with careers education, please email LEP_ECS@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

Listen to our Enterprise Co-ordinator Alex Nightingale being interviewed on Lincoln City Radio.