Business Class

Business Class is a tried and tested programme that develops mutually beneficial partnerships between businesses and schools. Its aim is to help build a talent pipeline for local businesses by developing young people's employability skills and improving their understanding of the world of work and their awareness of career choice.

As well as demonstrating commitment to the community you serve and building your reputation as an exemplar employer, working closely with local schools also presents the opportunity to influence how young talent is nurtured and developed. But it's not just about raising the standards of the employees of tomorrow. It's also about increasing the productivity of your staff today. Working with and mentoring local children is incredibly rewarding and can:

• increase learning and development opportunities for staff
• enhance morale and team working
• increase loyalty and aid staff retention
• strengthen links with education and the future workforce to enhance your recruitment success

What support will you get?

Careers Wales act as matchmaker, bringing the school and business together to ensure both parties are ideally suited and share the same vision. They make sure everyone is well briefed, prepared and focused on delivering success to the programme, and provide ongoing support and advice as the partnership grows.

Participating schools are helped to complete a needs analysis to determine their aims and required outcomes. They also work with your business to identify your main objectives, priorities and capacity.

In addition, organisations involved in Business Class come together to form supportive clusters that allow wider networking and collaboration. You will be able to network, share best practice and develop new ideas with likeminded businesses.

Your commitment

The success of the Business Class programme depends on businesses and schools working together in a structured way, and that requires commitment from both sides. The time and resources necessary to set up, run and monitor the programme depends on the specific needs of the school and the capacity of the business involved. But please be aware that you'll need to dedicate adequate time to administer, implement and evaluate the programme.

Is your business eligible?

Businesses in the areas below can access the programme:

• Bridgend
• Caerphilly
• Cardiff
• Carmarthenshire
• Ceredigion
• Heads of the Valleys
• Newport
• North east Wales
• Pembrokeshire
• Powys
• Rhondda Cynon Taff
• Swansea Bay

However, in some instances, Business Class may be available for schools and organisations in other areas. 

Call the Business Wales Helpline on 03000 6 03000 or contact us

Rydym yn croesawu galwadau yn Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.