What it takes to be Champion

The Industry Champion programme has been developed to help schools make links with local employers and to make the best use of what employers have to offer to ensure that the education business link experience is mutually beneficial.

Industry Champions are ambassadors for education business link activity and will promote working with schools to their peers and colleagues whenever possible. They will work at a strategic level and will offer advice and support to schools. They will also act as a conduit between their peer groups regarding developments in education and the need for employer engagement.

Champion Aims:

• To communicate mutual benefits of education business link involvement with peers
• To take a strategic role in assisting schools and colleges in the planning and development of vocational education provision
• To encourage colleagues within the same sector to take part in education business link activity
• To inform education contacts of opportunities and developments within the sector - locally and in general
• To inform education contacts of barriers to participation from businesses and work together to overcome

Person Specification:

• Enthusiastic supporter of young people and education business link activity with a strong track record of involvement with schools, colleges and or universities
• Currently employed and at least 5 years experience within an industry sector
• Good network of contacts within sector
• Member of professional/sector organisations
• Strong networking skills
• Some understanding of the education sector

Time Commitment:

• Attendance at initial introductory meeting for Sector Champions
• Meet quarterly with education representative/attend 14-19 planning forum meeting
• Willingness to network on behalf of education business links when appropriate opportunities arise
• Participation in one event to promote education business links annually
• Recruitment of 10 additional champions during 2007