At ACE Training, we believe that shaping the future workforce starts long before an apprenticeship begins. This year, we were incredibly proud to be recognised as an ‘Inspiring Future Employer’ at the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards for our consistent and meaningful work with local schools. And we are not alone in promoting this message, as there’s a growing call for all businesses, regardless of size, to get involved in careers education.
Why it matters
Career provision isn’t just about ticking boxes or satisfying a CSR line in a business strategy. It’s about unlocking potential, raising aspirations and showing young people what’s possible and how! At ACE, we have seen first-hand how powerful employer engagement can be, not only for students but also for our organisation, our team and our wider industry.
It’s not about waiting until someone is 18 and job-ready. It’s about inspiring young people by showing them real-life stories, giving them the chance to ask questions, ensuring students understand the power of soft skill development and encouraging learners to explore industries they might never have considered.
How employers can get involved
You don’t have to deliver hour-long lectures or have a fancy PowerPoint! Some of the most impactful contributions are simple and personal:
- Mock Interviews help students gain confidence and understand employer expectations.
- Careers Fairs offer face-to-face time where pupils and parents can ask questions.
- Assemblies & Talks are a great way to introduce industries and career paths in an inspiring way.
- Human Library events allow individuals to share their journey – what you do, how you got there and what you have learned along the way!
- Curriculum-linked sessions are an excellent way to show how school subjects translate into real jobs.
- Workplace yours or projects can offer an amazing insight into real environments and tasks.
These aren’t time-heavy activities. Just a couple of hours can have a ripple effect that lasts a lifetime for a young person.
The ACE experience
Through our involvement in schools, we have seen a real shift in how ACE is perceived by students, parents and educators. Our Pre-Apprenticeship programmes are in extremely high demand, with our summer programme this year being full through school connections alone, with no additional marketing required.
But the impact goes beyond numbers. Our engagement has strengthened relationships across schools. This is not only with careers leads and senior leadership but with subject teachers and pastoral staff too. We are seen as more than a provider. We are a trusted partner who cares about student success.
Thinking bigger than ROI
While there’s an undeniable benefit in terms of visibility and recruitment, our motivation is deeper. It’s simply the right thing to do.
Aligning with schools strengthens our commitment to social responsibility. It means we are contributing to a system where careers education is for all, not just the few who have connections or confidence. It’s about equity, opportunity and creating a pipeline of skilled, informed and motivated young people for the entire workforce, not just ours!
The role of the Enterprise Adviser
One of the most valuable roles supporting this work is that of the Enterprise Adviser (EA), a volunteer role that connects business with schools through the Careers & Enterprise Company.
I have had the privilege of being an EA for four years now, both before and during my time at ACE. I currently work closely with The Bicester School and Whitelands Academy, but I also operate as an agile EA, supporting a broader range of schools across Oxfordshire when needed.
Being an EA is not only incredibly rewarding, but it’s also a powerful tool for personal and professional development. You gain insight into how schools operate, build meaningful relationships and strengthen your own communication and strategic thinking. And for your organisation, the exposure and connection with schools opens doors you never knew existed.
Calling all Apprenticeship Providers
We would love to see more apprenticeship providers step up. Who else is better placed to talk about progression, qualifications and industry opportunities than those who deliver them?
Students need to see experts in action and individuals who love their work, who have overcome challenges, and who can shine a light on career paths they didn’t know existed. These encounters can ignite something in a young person that shapes their entire future.
Careers education is a collective responsibility
Whether you are a national company or a local business with five employees, your voice, your story, and your time are valuable. By stepping into the classroom or the school hall, you could be changing someone’s life.
And as we have discovered at ACE – when you invest in the next generation everyone wins.
If you are interested in becoming an Enterprise Adviser or would like more information on supporting schools within Oxfordshire, please email the team at Enterprise Oxfordshire [email protected]
