Enterprise Advisers play a vital role in connecting education with the world of work. As experienced business volunteers, they work with schools and colleges to strengthen careers education, provide valuable employer insights and help young people understand the opportunities available to them in the future.
For Schools
An Enterprise Adviser is a senior business volunteer who works alongside school and college leaders to strengthen careers education and employer engagement.
Enterprise Advisers help schools to:
- Provide strategic advice on developing and improving careers programmes.
- Bring an employer perspective to careers planning and decision-making.
- Connect schools with local employers, industry sectors and professional networks.
- Share labour market insights so young people understand future opportunities.
- Support delivery of the Gatsby Benchmarks and careers objectives.
- Help create meaningful employer encounters, workplace experiences and industry projects.
- Challenge and review careers provision to ensure it remains relevant and impactful.
- Raise aspirations by helping students understand real careers, routes and opportunities.
The benefits for schools
- Stronger links with local employers and industry.
- Better informed careers programmes aligned to local labour market needs.
- Increased access to employer encounters, speakers and workplace experiences.
- Greater confidence in meeting Gatsby Benchmarks.
- Enhanced preparation of students for the world of work.
- Access to business expertise and networks at no cost to the school.
For Employers
An Enterprise Adviser is an opportunity for business leaders to partner with a local school or college and help shape the future workforce.
Enterprise Advisers:
- Advise school and college leaders on careers education from an employer perspective.
- Share insight into skills, recruitment trends and local labour market needs.
- Help schools build meaningful connections with businesses and industries.
- Support young people to understand careers, apprenticeship and employment pathways.
- Act as a bridge between education and the world of work.
- Champion opportunities that prepare students for future employment.
- The benefits for employers
- Influence and inspire the future talent pipeline.
- Raise awareness of your industry, business and career opportunities.
- Help young people develop the skills employers need.
- Strengthen links with education and the local community.
- Support social value, corporate responsibility and community engagement objectives.
- Develop leadership, coaching and strategic partnership skills.
- Build valuable relationships with other employers, schools and stakeholders across Berkshire.
