Speakers for Schools is a social mobility charity, founded in 2010 by ITV’s Political Editor Robert Peston and supported by the Law Family Charitable Foundation.
Matthew Kent, press officer for Speaker for schools, said: “We empower people from state schools and colleges to reach their potential, irrespective of background or circumstance, through talks from influential figures and work experience programmes linking pupils directly to the UK’s leading employers.
“Our speaker programme aims to inspire young people, introducing them to careers they may never have considered before or thought were achievable. Talks are delivered in-person, in schools or virtually, with students able to ask questions.”
There are more than 1,500 speakers in their inspiration programme and previous ones range from former Prime Ministers to celebrity chefs such as Tom Kerridge, Marcus Wareing and Paul Ainsworth.
The work experience programme aims to help young people navigate a rapidly evolving job market, with insights and experiences that provide guidance on emerging jobs and the vital skills required to access them.
Kent added: “Currently, careers education in schools does not adequately prepare young people for the future world of work, with too little focus on vocational and essential skills.
“Work experience is therefore essential in this context as it increases future employability, reduces the likelihood of young people not going into education, employment or training (NEET), is associated with better academic outcomes, higher wages, and improvements in essential skills.
“We also understand the pressures that employers of all sizes are under to adapt in this fluctuating labour market and to help close skills gaps. It is difficult to locate the best early talent when the playing field is far from level and your resources are often stretched. We are committed to supporting employers to uncover new and diverse sources of talent and develop the right skillsets in your future workforce.”
Looking specifically at the public catering sector and the many jobs available in this area across schools, universities, hospitals, care homes, prisons and the military, Speaker for schools believe it is essential that young people are given the chance to engage with its practicalities and pathways first hand.
Both inspirational talks and work experience programmes can be an essential part of how catering businesses ensure the next generation has both the enthusiasm and knowledge needed to follow this specific career path.
Speaker for Schools recently teamed up with the Hospital Caterers Association (HCA) who had this to say about the partnership: “Investing in the future generation of hospital caterers is something we should actively engage in, and promoting the industry through schools and colleges is an ideal route to raise the profile of the various roles and opportunities in hospital catering.
“Offering onsite and virtual work experience opportunities can demonstrate the broadness of our industry and showcase the crucial role caterers play in healthcare settings. The HCA has engaged with Speakers for Schools, and understands the value they could add to our industry.”
For more information on how to get involved in the Speakers for Schools programme, visit: https://www.speakersforschools.org/
Ade Otubanjo is a business development manager at Speakers for Schools, specifically looking after the hospitality sector, so you can also contact him directly: ade.otubanjo@speakersforschools.org.