LEADING PROPERTY PROFESSIONAL TAKES ON ENTERPRISE ADVISER ROLE TO HELP COACH STUDENTS IN EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS

A Norwich-based property services firm and a Wymondham school have got together to form one of the county’s first ‘Enterprise Adviser’ links – designed to support schools to build sustainable careers and enterprise structures, to enable a smoother transition for students between education and employment.

Jan Hÿtch, partner at Arnolds Keys, has become Enterprise Adviser at Wymondham College, where she will be working with staff at the school to advise on their employer engagement strategy, and helping the school build a better network of business contacts.

Mrs Hÿtch will also be leading a team of Arnolds Keys staff in a number of specific initiatives designed to engage and support students, and bring new skills to enhance their work experience.  She has already been working with school staff to create a six week lesson block to teach students about employability, finance, finding a job, and the soft skills which are essential to the world of work.

Now a team of Chartered Surveyors from Arnolds Keys are planning a one day workshop which will see students evaluate, market and ‘sell off’ parts of the college campus in a realistic exercise designed to mirror the residential and commercial property business.

“Often both businesses and schools are keen to engage with each other, but there hasn’t always been the structure to make that happen,” said Mrs Hÿtch.  “It’s so important that young people have the opportunity to understand what employers are really looking for, and this initiative helps schools to plug the gaps in skills with real life experiences to augment what is taught in the classroom.

“This kind of joint approach is valuable both to the school – teachers and students alike – and also to the employers and their staff who take part.”

“All schools are realising that they need to build closer relationships with their local business communities,” said Liz Edwards, student futures adviser at Wymondham College. 

“Businesses like Arnolds Keys can offer us a much more detailed insight into the needs of employers, and guide us about what employability skills we need to be introducing to our students.”

At the launch of the Enterprise Adviser initiative, LEP chairman Mark Pendlington commented, “If we want to compete and win on a world stage, we need to deliver a higher skilled workforce for our growing economy. 

“We can help do that by placing business leaders at the heart of the education system, to inspire young minds when they are seeking out their future paths and looking to match their talents and aspirations with a high value and rewarding career.”