He joined John Edwards, Regional Schools Commissioner for East Midlands & Humber, and Mo Isap, Trustee and Vice Chair of STAR Academies & Board Director at the Careers and Enterprise Company, on a panel addressing the theme of ‘Aspirations beyond the classroom: Preparing the next generation for work and entrepreneurship’.  – Sir Rod opened the panel discussion with a speech highlighting the need for change within the education system, to ensure that our young people are equipped with the enterprise skills and entrepreneurial mindset (as well as academic achievement) required to be successful in life beyond school. For many, this will involve going into jobs that do not currently exist, or starting their own business. –   Sir Rod also suggested that it is time for business leaders to take responsibility and step up to the opportunity to play a central role in helping young people have a good start in life. His closing statement was a ‘call to action’ for business ‘…to stand up and to be counted about its involvement in education and skills that it is looking for.’ 

Sir Rod’s full speech is available below.

The Aldridge Foundation is is keen to develop partnerships with organisations who can assist with our work to better prepare young people for life beyond school by offering work experience placements, mentoring, bursaries and inspiring speakers – if you are interested in our work and would like to find out more, please contact CEO, Shona Nichols: shona.nichols@aldridgefoundation.com   

Downloadable link: Speech at QEII on Monday 11th November