LEAN Case study: Tracey Perera
ELBA, in partnership with the London Enterprise Adviser Network (LEAN) supports secondary schools and colleges career leaders across London with their strategy for working with business, to help young people build the skills and experience they need to lead successful futures. Enterprise Advisers (EA) are business volunteers who assist the career leaders to execute a structured career plan.
Tracey Perera from ELBA business partner company KPMG is an Enterprise Adviser (EA) and this is her EA story:
Why did you sign up as an Enterprise Adviser (EA)?
I am a Secondary school Governor and a Board Advisor to the Tech London Advocates for EducationTech. Both these roles along with my EA role, has helped me focus on a passion of mine helping young people of all backgrounds and abilities to bridge the gap between education and employment. It all starts with education, the root cause, we need to get this right so that the next generation will become the most happy, inclusive and productive workforce of the future.
What has been your experience as an EA so far? Any key highlights from what you have done with your school?
It has been so rewarding to meet the Head of Careers who is also thankfully the Head of PSHE and link the two roles together – If we work on self esteem and self belief with the young people, they will believe in themselves and understand where to start when deciding what to do when they leave school to go to further education and to look for work.
Would you recommend this volunteering role?
Absolutely, it takes time and energy, depending on how much you really want to make a difference. If you really believe in helping young people be ready for the workplace it is something I recommend get involved in. So many Head of Careers need support and more importantly so many young people especially when we are dealing with social mobility issues and don’t have easy access to the workplace.
What skills have you made use of or developed in your EA role?
I have utilised my skills that I enjoy using, networking, public speaking and presenting, generating ideas, helping people for the better of society, giving advice, mentoring, coaching, developing diverse relationships, leadership and strategy consulting.
And finally, any tips?
1. “Aim for the quick wins but also help work on the longer term issues.”
2. “Be proactive and don’t be afraid to come up with ideas and actually action them yourself.”
3. “Listen to the needs and challenges that the Head of Careers have and agree on how you can help.”
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