2000 young people and 59 schools across Cheshire and Warrington have been reached by the Pledge Partnership since it launched in May.
The Pledge Partnership brings employers together with schools, colleges and youth organisations to inspire and inform young people about career pathways, building the right skills that employers need. It has achieved 100% engagement from all schools within Macclesfield, Congleton, Wilmslow, Poynton, Knutsford and Macclesfield College.
Clare Hayward MBE DL, Chair of the LEP Employer Skills and Education Board said “We are delighted at the speed in which the Pledge Partnership is capturing the hearts and minds of businesses, schools and youth groups all coming together to inspire young people about the wealth of career options open to them in Cheshire and Warrington.
“We believe this has been achieved due to the local pledges working directly with, and responding to, the needs of local employers.”
Over 60 businesses, schools and youth groups came together along with Mayor of Macclesfield, Cllr Janet Jackson MBE for the launch of the Macclesfield pledge on 26th September.
Cllr Jackson commented: ““I was delighted to be asked to speak at the Pledge event and meet everyone that attended. A diverse selection of employers took time from their busy schedules to support the event and help young people prepare for their future.”
Organisations including Balfour Beatty, The Hut Group, East Cheshire NHS Trust and Cheshire Police joined forces with school leaders and youth groups for the launch and agree the priorities that the local Pledge needed to address.
Pledge Partnerships in other parts of Cheshire and Warrington have taken the same approach, with the community shaping priorities that will have the greatest impact at a local level.
Local Business Bioscript, a scientific communications consultancy, works with the Pledge and said “As a small business we invest time in HR planning so that we can attract people not just with the right skills, but importantly the right ethos. Preparation for the world of work is an essential part of every student’s education and [being part of the Pledge] allows Bioscript to share with students our own knowledge and experience of starting work, the career opportunities available in our business sector and also identify potential future employees.”
