A careers initiative that helps thousands of secondary school pupils across Derby is hoping that being shortlisted for a regional award will help with its plea for more volunteers.
E4E was set up by Derby City Council in 2014. It provides CV writing workshops, mock interviews, mentoring and ‘Dragons Den’ style Enterprise Challenge Day, where pupils pitch a project to business leaders who volunteer for the session.
It was recently shortlisted for an East Midlands Chamber Derbyshire Business Award and manager Arshad Iqbal hopes that this recognition will be the catalyst as he seeks more volunteers from the business community.
E4E board members and volunteers and manager Arshad Iqbal with Da Vinci Academy headteacher Katie Roberts, who is a big supporter of E4E.
Arshad said: “E4E relies solely on a dedicated group of volunteers from businesses in Derby and Derbyshire but, as demand for our sessions grows, we really need to add to our pool of volunteers.
“Careers education in schools has changed so much, particularly over the last five years. There has been huge transformations in schools using the Gatsby Benchmark – eight markers that provide a clear framework for organising the careers provision in schools and colleges – and the bar is now raised.
“For schools to organise an event such as something like a morning of mock interviews, it can be hugely time-consuming. We have volunteers from various sectors – global organisations such as Rolls-Royce and Lubrizol who have presence here in Derby – that we can tap into, but there are so many other businesses whose expertise we would appreciate sharing with young people across the city.”
A robust careers structure can often be seen as a positive by government inspectors Ofsted and schools including Da Vinci Academy, Allestree Woodlands and The Bemrose School – who all have close links with E4E – have reaped the rewards.
Da Vinci Academy – which was praised for its ‘impartial careers advice and guidance’ during an Ofsted inspection last year – fully embrace careers-led learning with headteacher Katie Roberts saying: “The fundamental role of any school is to prepare young people for work, to ensure that they’re enthusiastic about it; to motivate and inspire.”
And The Bemrose School have seen their NEET figure – the number of young people not in education or employment post-16 – reduced thanks partly to a solid career programme.
Arshad added: “We really need more people to volunteer their services for E4E to continue the good work we have done in the city and to help raise aspirations of the students. It also boosts their self-confidence and knowledge of careers and opportunities Post-16.
“Volunteering is a great chance to give back, particularly during these challenging times. It’s a chance to feel good and meet new people, plus volunteering is proven to boost your mood.”
Anyone wishing to volunteer for forthcoming E4E events at Chellaston Academy, Littleover Community School or Allestree Woodlands can email e4evolunteer@derby.gov.uk or call 07812 130527.
