Enterprise Advisers

Who are enterprise advisers?

An enterprise adviser is a volunteer from business who works closely with the headteacher or senior leadership team of a school or college to provide strategic support.

What do they do?

They use their business experience and professional networks to help develop and implement an effective strategy that puts opportunities with local employers at the heart of a young person’s education.

They support their local school or college to deliver world-class careers guidance to their students, preparing and inspiring young people for the fast-changing world of work.

They build strong working relationships with schools and colleges and provide insight into the organisation, industry and the opportunities available in the local labour market.

How does an enterprise adviser add value to a school?

An enterprise adviser adds value by:

• Providing an employer’s perspective on what businesses are likely to be willing to do and what opportunities businesses would value
• Supporting the school’s senior leadership team to develop a strategic plan to ensure every young person receives a meaningful employer encounter and workplace experiences
• Engaging with local businesses and employers to encourage their involvement in activities at the school
• Helping the school to focus efforts on programmes and activities that are most effective in motivating young people, supporting independent choice and enabling positive outcomes for young people

Ridgeway High School’s enterprise adviser: Andrew Tallents

Andrew has over twenty years’ experience in delivering a wide range of human capital solutions to a variety of organisations. Working between London and Liverpool offices, he enjoys working with leaders who are ambitious for themselves and their organisations.

Andrew believes that successful business partnerships working towards delivering leadership excellence tend to be based around mutual respect and having some fun on the journey. Andrew is proud of his family and circle of friends and associates. When he is not supporting his clients, he enjoys working towards fulfilling his potential on the golf course.

Andrew works closely with the Ridgeway’s Futures coordinator and SLT Futures link, supporting with the delivery of our Futures programme.

Andrew has also worked with year 8 students through the business mentor programme and will be supporting with the school’s enterprise competition. Andrew drops in to school regularly and has developed good relationships in his role.

Andrew says: “It is great working with Ridgeway High School and helping to get other businesses involved. The big thing for me is that this is all about enabling young people to make the best possible careers choices in life. It is also important that we get more business people across the Wirral working with schools and sharing their experience.”