It means the Chamber will join the Warwickshire Careers Hub in investing time and resources to support local schools and colleges with their careers education.
The business group, which represents hundreds of members across the region, will work alongside the Careers and Enterprise Company and the Warwickshire Skills Hub to inspire young people across the region and set them on the path to worthwhile and fulfilling careers.
There are around 450 Cornerstone Employers across the UK, which act as champions to encourage other businesses in their area to become involved in supporting schools and colleges, as well as encouraging their own staff to become Enterprise Advisors.
Enterprise Advisors are a network of volunteers who are either matched to an individual school or college, or work on specific projects or a collective of schools.
David Lennox, of Warwickshire Schools Hub, said: “It is proven that young people who have regular, meaningful contact with employers are more likely to find employment or pursue further education or training.
“That is why it is so important to have a network of businesses across the region who are Cornerstone Employers because it is a genuine commitment to support schools and colleges in giving young people exposure to the real world of business and employment.
“We are, therefore, absolutely delighted to have Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training on board. Not only can their teams bring valuable knowledge and experience, they can open the door for conversations with its members.”
A Cornerstone Employer is a business of any size that provides high quality careers outreach and opportunities for young people aligned to the local economy.
Cornerstone Employer Groups work together within a geographical area to target disadvantage, promote pathways, upskill and inform educators, parents and carers and drive better outcomes for young people.
Matthew Hammersley, HR Manager at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are proud to become a Cornerstone Employer.
“As a Chamber, we’re here to support our members to grow, which has a positive knock-on effect for the local economy.
“We also want business growth to mean that communities across our region benefit and that means good, well-paid employment and training opportunities for our young people.
“By becoming part of this group, we can work with schools and colleges to showcase some of the opportunities available and give young people some exposure to businesses and businesspeople.”
