Schools play a vital role in business communities all over the country. Educating the next generation of business leaders, it can’t be understated just how important the role of schools and teachers are.

And at this year’s DerbyshireLive Business Awards a special award will recognise a school who proactively works alongside local businesses to give its pupils the chance to experience the world of work.

Open to primary and secondary schools, the ‘Education Sector: Business Engagement and Employability Award’ will also reward a school who teaches employability skills and offer career support. 

Giving their backing to this award will be one of Derbyshire’s most famous businesses- Rolls-Royce. More than 12,000 people work at the facility making it one of the region’s biggest employers.

Paul Broadhead is Head of Community Investment & Education Outreach at Rolls-Royce and explained why they made the decision to become category sponsors.

“Schools & teachers are so crucial to shaping the future of the country through inspiring and equipping young people with the life and work skills they will require. Employers depend upon a diverse future pipeline of talent & skills,” he said.   

“By working together in collaboration with schools and business we can ensure young people in Derby/Derbyshire have the best possible start in life and the opportunities to succeed. Through sponsoring this award, we hope to both celebrate what good looks like and encourage further collaboration between schools/colleges and business.”

As category sponsors Rolls-Royce is responsible for deciding on the three shortlisted finalists and eventual winner and Paul highlighted what they will be looking for from the winners of this award.

“Schools and colleges who through collaboration with local businesses and wider community are ensuring every child is afforded the opportunity to be the best they can be, dream big and follow those dreams,” he said. 

“As well as this we will be looking for schools/colleges that are ensuring children of all ages and backgrounds have access to the wonder of STEM (Science, technology engineering & maths).  And those who ensure that no child in their charge is left behind.”

Sponsoring this award is not the only way in which Rolls-Royce show its support for regional business as Paul explained.

“We have recently extended our commitment to reach six million people through our STEM programmes and activities to inspire 25million by 2030. We will only achieve this through partnership & collaboration with employers, schools/colleges, teachers and parents.”      

Nominations for the awards will come to a close on 28 February ahead of June’s ceremony and to get your nominations in visit the dedicated website https://derbyshirelivebusinessawards.co.uk/home

For more information on the awards get in touch with Megan Whittaker at event organisers Champions (UK) plc. Call 08453 31 30 31 or email mwhittaker@championsukplc.com