"An excellent example of schools and colleges working together in partnership with business. I would like to praise all concerned especially for opening up opportunities for young people in disadvantaged areas, together helping to build an enterprise culture open to all - from the classroom to the boardroom." [Rt. Hon. Gordon Brown]
“Career Academies are a striking example of the ground-breaking partnerships between schools, colleges and business which can enable young people to succeed by grasping opportunities to go on to higher education and to employment. Through excellent links between businesses and education, Career Academies UK is helping to build an enterprise culture open to all, and helping young people to succeed - from 'Can I?' to 'I can!'” [Rt. Hon Ed Balls MP, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families]
From a pilot in three institutions, supported by a handful of companies, our charity now impacts on the work of over 500 employers and 90 UK schools and colleges.
1,100 young people have benefited from our work, from a diverse range of ethnic backgrounds. What they have in common is potential. Judging by GCSE grades before joining a Career Academy (and expectations of their tutors), 40% of the students were likely to go on to Higher Education. 86% actually do so, on courses such as business, accounting, marketing and law. The remaining students all progress into employment or further education.
During the internship period, company supervisors mark students on a range of achievements, revealing results employers would not normally expect from inner city adolescents. For example…
Capacity to learn: Exceptional: 44% Good: 37% Sound: 16% Unsatisfactory: 3% Poor: 0%
Work quality: Exceptional: 21% Good: 66% Sound: 11% Unsatisfactory: 2% Poor: 0%
We also regularly witness the results beyond the statistics. For example, the students - all suited and booted - networking confidently with VIP guests and answering direct questions from the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Education and Skills during a ministerial visit to their Career Academy.
Independent evaluation by the Centre for Education and Industry at Warwick University completed in 2005 suggests that our Career Academies keep young people motivated and in education. Career Academy attendance and retention are strikingly high for ‘middle ability’ students, reaching 95 - 100%. Read the full evaluation report here...
While the student impact is impressive, it’s only half the story. 3,000 business volunteers around the UK now contribute time and expertise to the Career Academy programme. Responding to our annual evaluation questionnaire, 85% list the development of coaching skills, performance management techniques, and dealing with tricky situations as benefits of working with a Career Academy student. Others mention problem solving, managing change and communication skills. Junior staff often experience supervisory and leadership roles for the first time, and all volunteers gain an insight into the community in which they work.