SKILLS: Gillingham School in Dorset has joined the DCCI Young Chamber scheme. Students are pictured with DCCI Young Chamber co-ordinator Will Montgomery (second left), sponsor Keith Brownhill, chief executive of Dextra (fourth left), DCCI past president Paul Collins of Westover Group (sixth left) and deputy head Mark Lavis (far right)
A trailblazing project is set to cast fresh light on the business world for sixth form students at Gillingham School.
The school has linked up with the Dextra Group – one of the largest employers in Dorset – for the pioneering Young Chamber Programme.
Lighting and luminaire specialist Dextra has sponsored Gillingham School’s membership of the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) led initiative.
With schools countywide signed up, the Young Chamber Programme bridges the gap between business and education.
Gillingham head teacher Lorna Lyons said: “Young Chamber membership will build on the valuable links already developed with the local business community.
“Our main aims from the Young Chamber Programme are to help students develop transferable workplace skills and customer service skills for real world situations.
“Our great thanks to Dextra for sponsoring our membership, and we look forward to a strong and fruitful partnership.”
Skills
Year 12 students from the school’s business studies courses will lead the Young Chamber Programme supported by teacher and head of department Rachel Hopkins.
Dextra Group chief executive Keith Brownhill joined DCCI members and local business people for one of the school’s regular Meet the Professional events.
The 30-strong group of business leaders also included former DCCI past president Paul Collins, of the Westover Group.
Gillingham-based Dextra employs 550 people and contributes around £20m to the local economy. It welcomes local students on work experience and work observation days – including groups from Gillingham School.
Mr Brownhill said: “As the largest employer in North Dorset, the Dextra Group considers itself as part of the local community.
“We recruit locally where we can and aim to give local people career and job opportunities.
“Our partnership with Gillingham School will help us develop our local connections whilst helping young people to become better prepared for the world of work.
“We’re delighted to sponsor the school for the Young Chamber Programme.”
Gillingham School, in Hardings Lane, has about 1,800 students aged 11 to 18.
The Young Chamber Programme was launched by DCCI – the voice of business in Dorset – at Lytchett Minster School in September.
It is sponsored by DCCI Platinum Business Partners TeamJobs, BU and the Quantum Group and supported by Ansbury Guidance.
The Dextra Group, based at Brickfields Business Park, is a leading luminaire development and manufacturing company with several subsidiary companies.
They include Dextra Lighting, Dexeco, Dexretail, Dexreco, Dexsor, LEDextra and Ledex.
Contact account director James Tourgout on 07827 806400 and james.tourgout@deepsouthmedia.co.uk for more details.
