A ‘conversation between business and education’ took place on 20^th September, bringing over 50 local business people and 50 representatives from schools – including headteachers, governors and careers leads – together in the beautiful setting of The Orangery at Blenheim Palace. The aim of the event, organised by OxLEP Skills, was to get people talking and sharing ideas about how businesses and schools can work together to prepare young people for the world of work.

The evening began with some inspiring talks and examples of what works. Timon Colegrove from Hunts talked about the importance to business of ‘corporate social opportunity’ and the many benefits to companies of working with schools to engage young people.

Attendees then heard a detailed case study from Didcot Girls School. Didcot Academy of Schools Executive Headteacher Rachael Warwick spoke about the school’s approach to linking with businesses, including through their Enterprise Adviser, Mike Foster, Commercial Director at CRM Oxford. Head of Careers and Personal Development, Stuart George, talked through a number of their programmes, including business mentoring for 6^th form students and Dragon’s Den.

The conversation then continued with round table discussions and a panel Q&A session led by Julia Iball of Oxfordshire Community Foundation.

The event enabled school representatives to benefit from hearing about what works in other schools and inspired business people to think about different ways that both they and other employers could get involved. One suggestion was to hold another similar event that each person from business could bring along two or three new volunteers to. We’re working on that one and will keep you posted!

Nigel Beales, Assistant Headteacher at LVS said: “The event was great, many thanks. I had a great discussion with RAW at the event and since the event and we are exploring a number of ways we can work together, especially with our Forest Schools work.” More on that to come too.

Andrew Pitman, Governor at Burford School, was on the Q&A panel. He said: “Happy to help then and in the future! Kathy (Headteacher) and I both got a "take away" idea from the event. Looking forward to the next time!”

Careers Leader at The Henry Box School, Amanda Dickson (pictured below centre), said: “There was a fantastic buzz in the room. A lovely mix of employers and schools. I made some good contacts. It was useful to hear about the different ways the support from OxLEP is being used in different schools.”

A follow up event is being planned, which we will share details of shortly.

Find out more about how we work with schools and employers and the opportunities available through OxLEP Skills.