Pendle News Room

The three-year project called Pendle Business Class is being run in partnership with Business in the Community (BITC), one of the charities of HRH The Prince of Wales.

Business Class links local businesses with schools and is working with Marsden Heights Community College and West Craven High School.

The project was launched today (Tuesday 27th September) at Silentnight in Barnoldswick for businesses taking part in the project.

Future ambassadors from Daisy Communications and Businesswise Solutions, Silentnight, Hope Technology and cottages.com were invited to find out what their role will be with the schools.

They learnt how to take their knowledge and experience of the world of work to help inspire and motivate young people and encourage them to start thinking about their own career.

By linking schools with businesses, the pilot which is part-funded by the Council’s Gearing Up for Growth Fund, aims to give young people more confidence, greater motivation at school and a better understanding of the careers available.

Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, Leader of Pendle Council, explained: “Business Class can bridge the gap between schools and industry by getting more businesses into the classroom to deliver inspiring careers lessons side-by-side with teachers.

“It helps young people to think more widely about their working life and is a fantastic way of making sure that our future workforce has the skills and talent needed in Pendle.”

By giving youngsters a better understanding of the local jobs market, Pendle Business Class helps to raise their aspirations so they can get the skills needed locally.

Research shows that partnerships between schools and businesses improve academic achievement, increase employability and can even improve students earning potential. 

According to the Fast Forward 2030 report by CBRE 60% of jobs in 2020 haven’t yet been created.

And experts now believe that almost 50% of occupations existing today will be completely redundant by 2025.

Julie Dix, People Development & Training Coordinator at Silentnight, said: “Local school leavers often don’t know about the range of job opportunities available in Pendle or the excellent packages offered to employees.

“We’re delighted to be a part of Pendle Business Class Hub and we’re excited to learn more about how we can inspire our future workforce.”

Ronee Walsh, Project Manager with Business in the Community, said: “Pendle Business Class Hub helps to open the eyes of young people to the excellent wide-range of employment opportunities available on their doorstep.

“Businesses taking part will help to organise and take part in activities such as preparation for interviews, industry visits and talks on what businesses are looking for from an employee. 

“And the businesses themselves gain a lot from the relationships too. The Business Class Hub offers them a chance to engage with their workforce as well as their local community.”

Photo caption: Gary Boulton, who works in Silentnight’s new product development area, is joined by Ronee Walsh from Business in the Community; Julie Dix, People Development & Training Coordinator at Silentnight; Councillor Nawaz Ahmed and Councillor David Whipp.