Your web browser is out of date. Update your browser for more security, speed and the best experience on this site.
Colleagues brainstorming on a white board

This page includes information on the various opportunities available to employers for engaging with volunteers or to volunteer themselves. Here you can find out about how to become an Enterprise Advisor and discover information on Cornerstone Employers.

Successful interactions with employers and experiences like workplace volunteering, internships, placements, and workshops inspire young people to make informed choices about their future, whilst attracting future talent to your business.

Employers and volunteers

Benefits of engaging with young people

Your business can make a real difference to young peoples’ lives. Individuals who interacted with employers while at school are 86% less likely to become what’s known as NEETs (not in employment, education or training). They’re also likely to earn around 18% more during their career than their peers without the same opportunities.

By interacting with young people you can:

  • Meet young talent first
  • Inspire young people and grow future skills
  • Proactively address the social value of your business by making a difference to the community
  • Develop your staff’s potential
Volunteering opportunity

Become an Enterprise Adviser

The West of England Enterprise Adviser Network supports voluntary Enterprise Advisers to work together with schools and colleges to inspire and inform young people about their future careers.

The Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC) campaign, Rewrite the Story provides more information on the role and how partnering with a local secondary school or college can help them develop a strong careers programme supporting all students.

How to volunteer as an Enterprise Adviser

We need more business professionals across our region to volunteer to work with secondary schools. We’re looking for people who want to make a difference and help schools deliver better careers services to their students.

Find out more

Representing key sectors in the region

Cornerstone Employers

The Cornerstone Employer group is a small cross-section of employers from the West of England region. The group represents a range of key sectors in our area, including Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing, Digital, Health, Legal and Professional, and Construction. Employers include Lloyds Bank, the Cabinet Office, Edwards Vacuum and the University of Bath.

Our Cornerstone employers have experience in engaging with schools and colleges and provide strategic support to our Careers Hub. They’re also committed to:

  • Increasing the numbers of employers who interact with schools and colleges
  • Reaching all students, especially those who are disadvantaged
  • Sustaining employer engagement and the work of the Careers Hub
  • Ensuring all employer engagement is high quality, meaningful and impactful

Find out more

Case studies and profiles

Enterprise Adviser Profile: Nick Lee
Image credit: Sam Balye
Local business volunteer supports Bristol school