Adopt a School

Adopt a school is a pilot Business in the Community inititive aimed at better links between the business and education sectors. Utilising the expertise of the business community to help enrich the education system in Northern Ireland, participating schools will be helped to become more efficient and business-like. 

Companies are encouraged to work with schools to assist the development of the employees of the future, building professionalism and promoting life long learning with positive role models.

How can employers help?
A range of activities are available to employers, including:

• Pro bono support on key issues
• Careers talks to pupils
• Workplace visits
• Work shadowing/work experience
• Time to Read/Count/Compute programmes in local schools
• Job preparation tips
• Head teacher mentoring

Advantages for business include:

• Building strong links with local schools
• Impacting on potential future employees
• Staff development and leadership opportunities
• Raising profiles in the local community
• Promoting career opportunities
  

Benefits for schools include:

• Help with new cirriculum aspects/education for employability
• Stimulating student interest in careers
• Developing student understanding of work skills and ethics
• Receiving excellent role-models
• Providing students with local career opportunities

The Commitment
Adopting a School, or class within a school, commits a business to engage for a minimum of one school year. However, by mutual agreement the partnership can be extended.

For further information on how to Adopt a School, contact Denise Cranston at Business in the Community on 028 9046 0606 or by e-mail at denise.cranston@bitcni.org.uk.