Birmingham Metropolitan College Career Academy celebrates enterprising students and intern champions
Tuesday 31 January
Melody Hossaini, star of BBC’s The Apprentice and Martin Doel, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges were the guest speakers at a Career Academy celebratory dinner hosted by Birmingham Metropolitan College. Nine Birmingham organisations were also named intern champions for supporting the business studies students that form the College’s Career Academy.
Founder of social enterprise organisation, InspirEngage, Melody Hossaini shared her passion for enterprise; describing it as ‘the way’ to respond to the economic challenges of youth unemployment and the recession.
Enterprising people were also regarded by Martin Doel as being able to contribute to economic regrowth. Describing the characteristics of enterprise as being agility/adaptability, responsiveness and resilience, he praised the Career Academy for placing its scholars in situations where they are able to learn, contribute and improve.
Formed three years ago, the Career Academy at Birmingham Metropolitan College supports the young business people of the future by providing internships and mentoring opportunities, as well as workshops and lectures. Students participate in a range of business and enterprise-related activities including finance and accountancy, communications and marketing and commercial awareness.
More than 50 students that are part of the College’s Career Academy have benefited from six-week internships with employers including Fleet Milne Residential, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Glide Utilities.
“Without the enthusiasm and support of our Career Academy champions, our students’ career journeys would not have been kick started such a great height,” commented Jane Smith, Career Academy Coordinator. “Opening the door to students eager to experience boardroom culture on top of their classroom development has impacted on their learning outcomes and has taught them a lot about the entrepreneurship and business activities that have made the city flourish.”
“Our celebratory dinner showcased how much our Career Academy scholars have gained from our links with a range of employers; with our internship programmes in particular providing excellent career development opportunities,” stated Chair of the Local Advisory Board, Anthony McCourt.
“Students can’t fail in an internship - every workplace experience they embark on will benefit them in some way. For employers, an internship is also a business investment decision that adds value, a new perspective and greater social awareness.
“As we look ahead to our summer 2012 internships, we are aiming to broaden the range of organisations/industries that our scholars can spend time with and look forward to welcoming more employers to the Career Academy.”
The college's Career Academy intern champions were:
- Digital Birmingham
- Telereal Trillium Ltd
- Birmingham Children’s Hospital
- ALS UK Ltd
- Glide Utilities Ltd
- FleetMilne Residential
- Rewired PR Ltd
- Birmingham City Council
- Branch Martin Spicer Marketing Ltd
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