Published: Monday, 5th May, 2008 2:00pm

Plea put out to companies

by Rebecca Johnson

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BUSINESSES are needed to offer time and places to schoolchildren in a bid to educate them about the world of work.

East Berkshire Education Business Partnership launched Skills for Life in Bracknell to get students work placements in businesses around the area.

Representatives from businesses including Connexions, Barclays and 3M attended the launch at The Open Learning Centre in Brackenhale School, Bracknell, on Wednesday.

Anne Nagorski, from EBEBP work experience team, said: "Some of the students are very confident and know what they are going to do. Others are terrified. Some of them just don't know what they are going to.

"This is so students can be better prepared for going in."

The scheme has been running elsewhere in east Berkshire for a number of years, but the team is now trying to get businesses in the area involved with the schools in Bracknell.

Skills for Life is a series of workshops held in schools for students with representatives from businesses giving lessons on interview techniques, health and safety in the workplace, working with people, customer service and dressing to impress.

Mrs Nagorski said the scheme was great for businesses looking to improve their coporate social responsibility in the community and workshops are carried out with a teacher in the room to supervise the students.

Mike Linehan, branch manager for Barclays in Wokingham, has already taken part by carrying out workshops in interview skills.

He said: "It was really rewarding because it gives us the opportunity to give back some skills and what I've learnt in my role to prepare them for their job interviews."

Mr Linehan said the scheme was also a good team-building exercise for companies wanting to take part.

He added: "It's good for the business profile as we give something back as a business."

To find out more contact Anne Nagorski on 01753 502384 or email a.nagorski@eastberksebp.org.uk

Companies that can offer advice to children with disabilities can contact Nancy Lalor on 01753 502384 or email n.lalor@eastberks

ebp.org.uk