CMP's RAISE innovative 2024 programme, aimed at providing school aged children with an authentic experience of a wide range of work places, reached it's conclusion with a wonderful celebration event hosted generously by The Village Hotel.
On the day that The Times Education Commission - a powerful alliance including no less than SEVEN former education secretaries - reported that 'schools aren't preparing children for working life', the success of RAISE stands in stark contrast.
Simon Jarvis, who created RAISE, explained: 'The idea of RAISE emerged from a series of CMP 'Community Minds' meetings in 2023. My plan was to harness the goodwill of a number of business and societal leaders - those wanting to make a positive contribution to the lives of young people - with the needs of school students.
From the get-go, it was clear to me that the experience had to be more than a day out of school; it was important to engage the youngsters face to face and be honest, truthful.
The intention was that students would have the chance to develop and demonstrate ‘soft skills’ – teamwork, punctuality, respect, initiative, confidence, presentation skills…
RAISE has provided an unparalleled range of workplace experiences, meeting an incredible variety of people from across a wide range of sectors roles – from company founders, senior managers to new apprentices. The message to all the students was simple – come in you’re welcome here, enjoy, explore, learn.'
So did RAISE achieve its aims? This is what participating students had to say:
'We discovered that there were many jobs that we didn't even know existed.'
'On RAISE we learnt how different businesses run.'
'RAISE has opened our eyes to the inner workings of so many different companies.'
'The programme gave us insight into the range of job opportunities required for many different businesses and helped us realise how many different jobs you can do.'
'We feel much more confident to navigate the world of work when we enter it.'
The Principal of Tomlinscote School, Rob Major, was effusive in his appreciation of CMP's effort to generate the RAISE programme because however hard they try, schools have so many pressures delivering the curriculum that they can't provide this level of authentic, real-life insight. Rob thanked the six CMP Member companies involved throughout the year, each of which was presented with a recognition certificate by the students. Take a bow:
Amazon Filters
BMW Group UK
Farnborough Airport
Syneos Health
The Village Hotel, Farnborough
UK Connect
RAISE has been the cooperative product of many partners - the businesses and staff who designed engaging, inspirational visits; the School leaders who backed CMP (big shout out to Caroline Crabtree who organised the students at the School) to deliver the programme; the CMP Trustees who supported its development; parents who trusted that RAISE would be of value to their children; and of course the brilliant students themselves who participated so enthusiastically.
Paul Edwards, CMP Chair, presented each of the students, now in year 10, with certificates and a memento of their year: 'They've been outstanding: from the moment when, in year 9, they had to apply to be included in the programme to this nerve shredding last day when they had to make presentations to the audience of employers, parents and School leaders reflecting on what they'd learnt from the year.'
One parent whose daughter has been involved in the year long programme was moved to say: 'I'm not one to give excessive praise but I can honestly say I was blown away by this - our young people are so very lucky to have these opportunities.
As an HR Director, I can say from experience that people aren't given enough opportunities from the start. The students were given hands-on experience and great insight into the world of work; many commented on how this has opened their eyes to career choices, helping to guide them on their paths forward.
For my daughter, this was an invaluable experience. She came home each time they had visited a work place, massively enthusiastic about the world of work and her potential in the future.'
A CMP community programme which we are proud to have introduced and managed, with the potential to transform young lives. Thanks to all involved.
Raising aspirations, inspiring, supporting and encouraging
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