by Ian Girling, chief executive, Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry

EMPLOYERS have been telling us for some time that young people need to be better prepared for the world of work when they leave school, college or university – and we need to do more to help young people prepare for their future careers. We aren’t just talking about careers advice but the development of the soft and interpersonal skills; the ability to work as a team, communication skills, the importance of good eye contact, time keeping and understanding why it’s important to dress appropriately and communicate well in a job interview.

The British Chambers of Commerce undertook a survey of almost 3,000 businesses in 2014 on this issue. Fifty-four per cent of firms reported graduates are not prepared for work and 88 per cent stated school leavers are not properly prepared for work. Fifty-seven per cent stated this was down to a lack of these basic key skills whilst 46 per cent stated this was due to poor careers advice. We also know Sir Michael Wilshaw, the Ofsted chief inspector, shares these concerns. Reports from other leading business organisations echo these concerns from business.

With 800 members, we believe we can make a real contribution in facilitating links between education and business. We originally launched our Young Chamber programme in 2015 and Corfe Hills was the first school to participate. We are now launching an enhanced 2016 Young Chamber, offering schools a wider range of activities including inspirational talks from business people, school visits to businesses, help with careers events, the development of long term links with businesses and even the opportunity for days in industry for teachers. We will quality assure these activities and ensure this guidance is of the highest quality. Our recent request for businesses to work with schools was met with an incredible response and over 60 great businesses from a range of sectors have immediately pledged their support. I would like to thank all who responded.

I am delighted to announce St Aldhelm’s Academy is the first school in Dorset to engage with our enhanced 2016 Young Chamber programme. Under the leadership of MD Brian Hooper of the Ambitions Academy Trust and head teacher Sian Thomas, St Aldhelm’s is a fantastic success story as a turnaround school. They fully recognise the importance of preparing young people for their future careers and as a pioneering school demonstrating significant improvements validated by Ofsted, we are delighted and proud to help St Aldhelm’s build their links with business.

We recognise many schools already have great links with business and we can support and build these relationships. As the leading business membership organisation in Dorset, we are very keen to facilitate these links between education and business. We also have the great support of our sponsors and partners including Ansbury Guidance, Bournemouth University, TeamJobs and the Quantum Group. If you would like to get involved, please contact Vicki on vicki.hailes@dcci.co.uk