Baylis Court School, in Slough Berkshire, hosted a ‘Careers Fair’ event with Royal Warrant holding companies, QEST scholars and local employers. It was attended by 250 young women aged 12 to 18.
This unique event was organised by charity Inspiring the Future in partnership with the Royal Warrant Holders Association which is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year. There were around 25 companies who hold Royal Warrants of Appointment representing a huge cross-section of trade and industry, from individual craftspeople to global multi-nationals.
Companies are granted a Royal Warrant in recognition of the goods or services they supply to the Households of HM The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh or HRH The Prince of Wales. QEST, the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, is the Association’s charity established in 1990 to support craftspeople working in Britain. Since that time it has given over £2.5 million in funding to around 370 craftspeople working in over 130 skill sectors.
Inspiring the Future, run by national education charity Education and Employers Taskforce, asks for volunteers to give an hour a year to talk with young people about their job and raise aspirations amongst young people. We are delighted that the Royal Warrant Holders Association are encouraging their members to sign up and agree to visit schools and colleges and talk to young people.
The event lasted for 2 hours and involved an eclectic mix of volunteers from a range of levels, from young apprentices to owners and directors, from both large employers and smaller bespoke Royal Warrant holding companies and local employers. Students had the opportunity to visit the stands and talk to the volunteers from a wide variety of sectors.
The event aimed to broaden aspirations amongst young people by making them aware of the wide range of jobs that are available to them.
Baylis Court is a girls’ secondary school with academy status in for students aged 11–18. It is the only single-sex non-selective school in Slough, and has a sixth form which is part of the Herschel Consortium.
Richard Peck, Secretary, Royal Warrant Holders Association said: “We are delighted to be working with Inspiring the Future Campaign and local employers. It is vital for both the UK’s future prosperity and for our young people to reach their potential that they have the chance to find out about the broadest possible selection of careers while they’re still at school. The Royal Warrant Holders Association represents a hugely diverse range of employers – including manufacturers, retailers and service providers. They all share a commitment to the highest standards of quality and service and know that the success of their business depends on attracting a wide range of talented people.”
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