Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is very disappointed with the decision announced today by the Careers and Enterprise Company not to fund a Careers Hub in the Dorset LEP area. 20 hubs have been announced across England in a programme designed to improve the quality of careers preparation and choices for young people in schools and colleges.
Dorset LEP Director Lorna Carver said “Dorset LEP already works closely with the Careers and Enterprise Company to deliver the Dorset Enterprise Adviser Network but we are disappointed not to be doing more. The Careers and Enterprise Company’s own indicators of need demonstrate the compelling case for Dorset to receive this funding, with our young people across the county needing greater investment in careers advice. We are astonished that Weymouth, for example, will not benefit yet it is the most deprived community in Dorset with Social Mobility one of the worst in the country, being ranked 322 lowest of 324. A young person in Weymouth eligible for free school meals at 15 years is threetimes less likely to enter university than their counterpart in Westminster (17 % versus 53%).
“Excellent careers advice lies at the heart of young people making informed decisions about their study and work choices from Apprenticeships, Further Education and University. The decision not to invest £120k over two years means we lose out on a dedicated Careers Hub lead for 35 targeted schools and colleges; professional development for 35 Careers Leaders; stronger careers links with employers, young people and parents; and greater uptake of study in much needed science and engineering subjects. We have written to the CEC and eagerly await a response.”
Dorset LEP’s vision is for a high-skilled workforce, meeting the needs of Dorset’s growing economy and priority sectors. Through the work of its Employment and Skills Board it is focusing on enabling the working age population to become better skilled and more productive so that our future economic growth is driven by greater worker productivity rather than relying on growth in the workforce.
The Careers & Enterprise Company exists to prepare and inspire young people for the fast-changing world of work by creating career opportunities and connections to potential employers. Further information about the new Careers Hubs is available on their website - https://www.careersandenterprise.co.uk/news/twenty-new-careers-hubs-launched