Two Directors from Innova Solutions Ltd have been back to school recently as part of a mentor programme run by Education Business Partnership (NW); EBPNW provide inspiring solutions to help and support young people and adults.  The programme helps to improve local teenagers’ employment prospects, develop essential life skills and enable them to self-manage their future.

In addition to co-ordinating work experience programmes, EBPNW also work with 7 schools across East Lancashire delivering an Employer Led Mentoring Scheme which is sustained by The Careers and Enterprise Company, who are a Government backed organisation supporting over 20,000 students in England over a two year period.  This is where Innova Solutions’ Glenn Dunleavey, Managing Director and Linda Barrowclough, Operations Director stepped in to offer their skills and time to this vital cause.

Along with other leading, local employers, Glenn and Linda visited two local high schools; Fisher More Catholic Humanities College, of which Glenn was a former pupil and Park High School, of which Linda was a former pupil. 20 students from the two schools were lucky enough to be chosen for the programme, during which, they were supported, influenced and inspired by their mentors, whilst working on the following:

• Raising their hopes and aspirations
• Discussing the world of work and career opportunities
• Sharing experiences
• Identifying skills and qualities
• Increasing self-esteem and ‘can do’ attitude

Linda Barrowclough said of the scheme, “As both Glenn and myself attended the local schools, we were both keen to work with EBPNW on this project. This was an opportunity for us to give something back to the community and the local schools, as well as possibly making a difference to these young people, whilst ensuring that they have a plan for when they leave education.  Apart from ‘going back in time’ to our old schools and classrooms, we have worked with these young ‘employees of the future’, helping and guiding them on their usable skill sets, setting objectives and the importance of first impressions when going for an interview. It has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience and both Glenn and I can only hope that the students have taken valuable knowledge away from the mentor sessions that will enable them to be successful in their chosen career.”

Education Business Partnership (NW) is an essential addition to a young person’s path towards a well-informed, self-assured and fulfilling career.  Innova Solutions look forward to mentoring the next group of youngsters on their journey.

For more information on Innova Solutions Ltd, please contact info@innovasolutions.co.uk, 01282-867390