Enterprise scheme will see business leaders working with West Yorkshire schools

Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) was one of just five areas to run a trial Enterprise Adviser scheme which saw more than 100 volunteer business leaders working in schools.

Now it has formally launched its scheme as part of a national roll out of the work by the Government’s Careers and Enterprise Company.

The LEP aims to work with 170 schools in the City Region and triple the number of business leaders involved in the programme.

Roger Marsh, LEP chairman said: “In our most recent business survey, 74 per cent of businesses reported the need to improve skills in their workforce and other research shows that only 15 per cent of employers offer any kind of work inspiration activity. This Enterprise Adviser programme aims to address some of those skills challenges and I am pleased so many of our school and business leaders have joined us at this event, to make sure young people are not only informed and enthused about meaningful career opportunities but also encouraged and empowered to shape their own future.”

An event to mark the launch of the LEP’s Enterprise Adviser programme was held today at The Hepworth, in Wakefield. Coun Peter Box, chairman of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Wakefield Council leader said: “Our ambition is to build a skilled and flexible workforce for the future and by building enterprise and work ready skills into education, and supporting young people to make informed career choices.”