This morning Michael Tomlinson took part in Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) questions raising the sterling work of Dorset Young Enterprise in the House of Commons. Michael asked the Minister: “Dorset Young Enterprise is a voluntary organisation that goes into schools to help improve skills with local employers. I declare an interest as someone who has worked within Dorset Young Enterprise. Does my right hon. Friend agree that such organisations are vital in closing the skills gap and ensuring that young people leave school ready to start work?”
In responding, Sajid Javid, the Secretary of State for BIS said: “My hon. Friend is absolutely correct that Dorset Young Enterprise and many groups like it throughout the country are doing a hugely important and vital job in closing the skills gap. The Government could look at how we can support that not just in Dorset but throughout the country. He is absolutely right to raise this matter.”
Michael noted: “Dorset Young Enterprise does fantastic work in the constituency as a conduit between local employers, local schools, and local students in finding innovative ways to ensure our children have the tools to compete in local, national, and international job market.”
Michael Mercieca, Chief Executive of Young Enterprise commented: “Providing young people with hands-on opportunities to engage in enterprise and the world of work can play a vital role in reducing the skills gap and helping young people to fulfil their potential in life. Young Enterprise continues to work closely with a wide range of schools in the Dorset area, delivering a range of programmes promoting essential character and employability skills with the generous support of local businesses. We look forward to working with local schools and students throughout this academic year and further across the country, including through our flagship Company Programme and our ‘Employability, Empowerment and Enterprise’ initiative.”