Skilling up your
students
Businesses have much to offer schools as part of their environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies, says Ahead Partnership
W
ith rapid changes in workplace technology and busy curriculums, it’s not easy for schools
to deliver up-to-the-minute skills training for their students. Employers often voice concerns that young people are not equipped with the skills or knowledge needed in the workplace – and have little awareness of the range of jobs on offer. But how can schools establish beneficial connections to address these issues? Social impact leader Ahead
Partnership develops collaborative programmes between business, education, community organisations and the public sector across the country. The idea is that such partnerships enable employers to tackle skills, diversity and inclusivity challenges by playing an active role in developing young talent.
28 AUTUMN 2023 FundEd Ahead Partnership was founded
20 years ago by Leeds-based corporate solicitor Stephanie Burras CBE. Having taken part in a local mentoring programme for young people with her law firm colleagues, she was moved by the impact it had on mentors and students. As a result, she set up her own organisation to expand the work. ‘Our mission is to create
partnerships with businesses that want to support young people in impactful ways, as part of achieving their ESG goals,’ she says.
From CSR to ESG The shift in thinking from corporate social responsibility (that focuses on fundraising and one-off community projects) to ESG goals that consider the wider social impact of business on the planet has opened up opportunities for nurturing future
talent. Ahead Partnership develops programmes in key growth sectors including the built environment, digital and technology, transport, health and care, professional and financial services and green skills. It works with businesses such as PwC, Landsec and John Lewis Partnership through to public bodies such as the NHS, combined authorities and local authorities to deliver effective social impact.
Growing digital talent Today, 87% of advertised jobs in the UK require digital skills. The Growing Talent Digital programmes are aimed at inspiring school students, aged 11-18, from various city regions. For example, Leeds has almost 35,000 people employed in digital, but most businesses find it difficult to recruit candidates with the skills they need. Some of the city’s top employers
are now leading and funding the Growing Talent Digital Leeds initiative, which includes masterclasses, career panels and festivals designed to break down barriers, address misconceptions and improve the diversity of the future workforce. Now in its second year, the Leeds programme has so far reached over 13,000 young people from 26 schools, with 90% of those taking part saying it had helped them understand the skills needed to work in digital. Part of the programme is the
annual #GirlTechLeeds event for more than 100 girls aged 12-14 who are thinking about their GCSE options. This interactive tech and
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