This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Campaign urges employers to help young people succeed
28/02/2005
A radio and press campaign that aims to encourage
Scotland's employers to engage with and improve the calibre
of their future workforce was launched today.
The three week campaign, which will run in local
newspapers and radio, is designed to get businesses
involved with their local schools as part of the
Executive's Determined to Succeed strategy for Enterprise
in Education.
Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Jim
Wallace said:
"Enterprise in Education is fundamentally about making
sure that young people are prepared for work and life with
the right mix of skills - and with the confidence and drive
to make the most of them.
"For this to work, we need to get employers to form
close partnerships with education, to help enable our young
people to become more effective employers, employees and
entrepreneurs.
"Since DtS was established in March 2003, I have visited
schools the length and breadth of the country to see the
programme in action, and have witnessed some excellent
examples of business working together with education. This
has included an ambitious partnership between design giants
IKEA and Midlothian schools. I also understand that
excellent partnerships have been developed between pupils
in Aberdeenshire and local oil and gas firm Technip, and
that in East Kilbride, pupils are learning about maths and
science through their work with semiconductor firm
Micron.
"You simply can't beat this kind of hands-on experience
and we want to see more companies from both the public and
private sectors offer these sorts of opportunities. Our new
advertising campaign aims to get across the message that
all businesses have something to offer, from small
businesses to multi-national corporations, whether they are
in manufacturing or the service sector.
"But as well as offering opportunities to young people,
there are also great benefits for employers in getting
involved in Enterprise in Education. These include valuable
opportunities to engage with their future workforce and
customers; the chance to improve the calibre of potential
employees by helping them develop core skills such as
organisation, communication and confidence; and raising
their profile in their local area.
"I hope that more of Scotland's businesses step up and
help play their part in creating a successful
Scotland."
Businesses interested in receiving further information
about taking part in Enterprise in Education can call 0800
027 9005 to receive further information.
The adverts will feature in over 100 local press titles
as well as on local radio over the next three weeks.
The Executive's strategy for Enterprise in Education,
Determined to Succeed, was launched in March 2003. £86
million has been allocated for this until 2008.
There are Determined to Succeed Champions in each of the
major business representative organisations including the
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the Scottish
Chambers of Commerce. The Entrepreneurial Exchange is
already working to partner its members with local
schools.
For more information about Determined to Succeed, go to
www.determinedtosucceed.co.uk.