Students and apprentices bridge the gap

APPRENTICES: Avonbourne Trust have joined the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry Young Chamber scheme. Pictured are Trust CEO Debbie Godfrey Phaure with sponsor Nigel Smith of Ellis Jones Solicitors and DCCI CEO Ian Girling before a networking event with pupils and local businesses.

APPRENTICES: Avonbourne Trust have joined the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry Young Chamber scheme. Pictured are Trust CEO Debbie Godfrey Phaure with sponsor Nigel Smith of Ellis Jones Solicitors and DCCI CEO Ian Girling before a networking event with pupils and local businesses.

Apprentices inspired the next generation when Dorset’s pioneering Young Chamber Programme was launched at the Avonbourne Trust in Bournemouth.

They gave more than 50 students from the trust’s Avonbourne Sixth Form, Avonbourne College and Harewood College an insight into the world of work.

Former student Lauren Moss, 19, now working at investment banking giant JP Morgan, was among the apprentices to offer advice about career opportunities to sixth form and year 10 pupils.

The trust, which holds an international business and enterprise specialism, has become the latest to join Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (DCCI) initiative to bridge the gap between business and education.

Trust CEO Debbie Godfrey-Phaure and director of sixth form and unique ethos Kathryn Loughnan welcomed guests including Nigel Smith from the trust’s Young Chamber sponsor, law firm Ellis Jones.

Mrs Godfrey-Phaure said: “This is a great opportunity to link with the real world of business.

“There will be many changes in the workplace of the future and this collaborative approach gives students the chance to gain valuable insights and advice first hand.

“Our thanks go to Ellis Jones for sponsoring our Young Chamber Programme and all of the apprentices who attended our first event.”

Apprentices

Apprentice Lauren said: “It was interesting to hear of students’ plans for the future.  It is important not to dismiss anything and think about the pathway into the career they want.”

Student Dan Storey, 18, said: “Some apprenticeships offer the opportunity to gain a degree as well as employment, which is the best of both worlds.”

Cameron Campbell, 17, added: “It’s important to consider the comparative value of degrees and apprenticeships when starting a career.”

DCCI Young Chamber co-ordinator Will Montgomery led the launch event with Kathryn Loughnan and Mr Smith from DCCI Platinum Business Partner Ellis Jones.

Mr Smith, who is the Dorset and New Forest law firm’s managing partner, said: “It has never been so important to build links between education and the workplace.

“We’re very grateful to the Avonbourne Trust and DCCI for giving us the opportunity to play our part and for their very warm welcome.”

Apprentices at the event were Klaudia Liptak from the Marsham Court Hotel, Hannah Lowder from Curtiss-Wright, Fiona Wright from PKF Francis Clark, Katy Harris and Rebecca Martin from Lester Aldridge, James Rowe and Susanna Perkins from Superior Seals, Lauren Moss and Jack Bull from JP Morgan. Nigel Reeve, operations director at Marsham Court also attended.

Jack is the reigning holder of the Warde Award for the best apprentice in Dorset. The Marsham Court Hotel won the Business Engagement with Education title at the Dorset Business Awards in November.

The Avonbourne International Business and Enterprise Trust comprises Avonbourne Sixth Form, Avonbourne College and Harewood College and Avonwood Primary School.

Ellis Jones is one of the largest law firms in Dorset and West Hampshire with more than 140 staff including 12 partners.

Any schools interested in joining the Young Chamber project should contact Will Montgomery via phone: 01202 714817 or email: Will.Montgomery@dcci.co.uk.

For more details please contact account director James Tourgout on 07827 806400 and james.tourgout@deepsouthmedia.co.uk.