Dave will fill the skills gap

STUDENTS at Stratford-upon-Avon School are to receive independent advice and support to provide inspiration about their future careers as part of a national initiative to improve skills.

Dave Lennox has been appointed the area’s first Enterprise Coordinator after the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) received funding from the Careers and Enterprise Company which has been launched by the Department for Education.

The nationwide scheme is part of the government’s long-term plan to promote enterprise in schools and colleges and provide inspiration about the opportunities available in the world of work.

Dave will be working with 20 schools and colleges throughout the area.

He was previously the training services manager at Hereward College, 14-19 adviser with Coventry City Council and partnership manager at the former Learning and Skills Council and will be based at the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub in Coventry.

The 45-year-old’s main role will be to support schools and colleges in improving their careers and enterprise activities to help students engage with the world of work.

He said linking employers with schools and colleges was vital in equipping students with the skills they and their future bosses need.

“I will also be recruiting a network of Enterprise Advisers to spend one day a month with schools or colleges to provide support to ensure their programmes are effective in providing independent choices for young people when they choose their future careers,” he said.

“I want to increase young peoples’ awareness about the world of work and the opportunities out there so that when they are making decisions about their GCSEs and A-levels they make informed choices based on the career labour market and where future jobs will be.”