Date: 16 September 2009

Yesterday Opinion Leader led ‘The Big Conversation’, on behalf of Business in the Community (BITC) and partners. This day enabled 100 chief executives representing some of Britain’s biggest employers to meet with 100 young people from around the country.  The aim was to provide a unique opportunity to help bridge the gap between the classroom and the world of work.

The event, held at Old Spitalfields Market, is part of The Work Inspiration campaign (www.workinspiration.com) spearheaded by Sir Stuart Rose, Chairman of Business in the Community (BITC). The Big Conversation marked the start of a business-led movement of employers across the UK pledging to become ‘Work Inspiration’ employers.

Opinion Leader was responsible for another first – co-creating an event for young people with young people and facilitated by young people.  Viki Cooke, Chair, said: “When we first started discussing this idea we thought that if it’s about young people, it has to be delivered by young people.  Working closely with Edge Learner Forum we identified and trained a team to facilitate the day.  They were simply brilliant and we are looking forward to continuing to work with them on other projects involving young people.”

Supported by companies such as Accenture, BT, Marks & Spencer, McDonalds, Royal Mail and Chime Communications, chief executives attending The Big Conversation pledged to dramatically improve the work experience their companies offer over half a million young people every year. Young people pledged to be ambassadors for the campaign and to make sure that they encourage their schools and their peers to commit more energy and thought to getting the work inspiration they deserve. 

“Employers have a responsibility to make sure young people have a great first experience of work,” said one of the key facilitators for The Big Conversation, Huda Al Bander, aged 20, from the Edge Learner Forum. “Young people need to get an inspired and realistic understanding of work and be given feedback to help them build on their skills and passions.”

Sir Stuart Rose said: “Our success as a nation is dependent on the future workforce. This is the start of a national business-led movement to get employers across the country to improve the work experience they offer. The calibre of the CEOs attending today is testament to how important an issue this is.”

Positive experiences of work can demonstrate to young people there are many paths to success, enhancing their life and career aspirations. Businesses also benefit from an increase in future recruits with greater business awareness, and, at the same time, develop the leadership and management skills of their staff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AEA-scszKQ

For more information please contact Yasha Estraikh