Barking and Dagenham businesses are being encouraged to sign up to an initiative to give young people the skills they need before entering the workplace.

 

The London Enterprise Adviser Network (LEAN) EAST was launched earlier this year to support the Mayor’s Skills for Londoners Strategy and Careers for Londoners Action Plan, that aim to ensure that all Londoners have the skills they need to fulfil their potential. 

 

LEAN is asking businesses to volunteer themselves as Enterprise Advisers, to then work closely with schools to increase their engagement with businesses and to support young people in setting up structured career plans. 

 

By 2020 LEAN aim to have over 150 secondary schools, further education colleges and referral units across nine London boroughs, which will be supported by up to 300 Enterprise Advisers. 

 

Councillor Evelyn Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement said: “We are really pleased to be part of this project that will hopefully give our young people the best opportunity to prepare for later life.

 

“I would like to ask all local businesses to get involved and help provide the next generation with the skills they need before they venture into the working world.”

 

Councillor Sade Bright, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills and Aspiration said: “Engaging with businesses from a young age is important as it allows our young people to benefit from professional support and prepare them for future careers. 

 

“I hope many businesses get involved and give our young people the best opportunity in life.”

 

The LEAN EAST network is funded until August 2020 and includes the following London boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Bexley, Bromley, Enfield, Greenwich, Havering, Newham, Redbridge and Waltham Forest. 

 

If you would like to volunteer your time and skills as an Enterprise Adviser, visit https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/volunteering/enterprise-adviser-network