NEBP shows the way a Careers And Jobs Live

The forthcoming two-day exhibition Careers and Jobs Live which takes place on March 23 to 24 at London's ExCeL aims to highlight the opportunities and help available from organisations to enable students, job seekers, teachers and local communities to better arm themselves and their pupils for the world of work.

Obtaining the right mix of skills and experience to get a first foot on the career ladder can be the toughest part of the job seeking process. All too easily a candidate may not get a job due to a lack of experience, but be unable able to gain experience in the first place.

One of the show's exhibitors, Newham Education Business Partnership (NEBP) supports this objective by providing the vital link between education and business.

The key aim is to develop the skills and attitudes of future employees and support lifelong learning. Through its work with business and the community, NEBP helps young people in schools and colleges to develop the qualities needed for the 21st Century. A steering committee of senior managers from business, education, local government, public organisations and councillors lead the organisation.

Businesses also support the teaching staff by helping to develop curriculum materials that have a real work context. Work experience placements are available for teachers to enable them to bring this knowledge back to the classroom.

At the local college sixth form pupils and staff have found similar schemes invaluable and have developed a programme of weekly seminars for 16-19 year old students. The sessions culminate in a college diploma and cash prizes awarded for exceptional student achievement.

Topics at the college include work experience involving placements and assistance from local businesses, as well as employability skills including career management and personal development. It also provides advice and information on how to research a chosen career utilising software, the careers library and the internet as well as presentations and projects from local companies.

One of the most practical areas of the programme is the college involvement with the Young Enterprise Scheme, a national programme that gives students a chance to set up companies within their college with the aim of making it a profitable business.

The scheme is probably one of the most valuable forms of work experience available as it not only enables pupils to gain practical business acumen and hone related skills, but also potentially offers a means to earn money at the same time.

(SP)