An Enterprise Adviser working with Landau Forte College Derby has won a national competition run by the Careers and Enterprise Company. Anna Smith, of A Logical Ltd, emerged triumphant in the Enterprise Adviser of the Year category in the annual awards, beating off contenders from Microsoft, Conlon Construction and Viking Crew. The awards recognise and celebrate the best career provision in schools, colleges, businesses and volunteers across the country.
Anna started work with Landau Forte College in June 2017 with the aim of supporting the careers lead to raise the profile of careers provision within the school and providing professional insight in engaging with business. She also works directly with students at the college, delivering workshops on demystifying psychometric assessments and other interview and assessment techniques.
During her time working with the school, Anna has helped in the mapping of careers education, resulting in her writing a guide for employers who come into school to deliver careers education activities. This ensures they can pitch their activity at the right level to make the most impact.
Anna has also made a number of introductions to other employers, allowing the school to broaden its links with the local business community. This meant the school could offer 1:1 meetings for students with industry mentors to help them improve their CV or practise their interview skills. Local employers also now come into school during Year 11 and Year 13 parents’ evenings to raise awareness of apprenticeships as a positive pathway.
Anna Smith, Enterprise Adviser at Landau Forte College Derby, said:
“I was incredibly delighted just to be nominated for the Enterprise Adviser of the Year award, so to actually win it was really unexpected but absolutely amazing. I thoroughly enjoy the work I do with Landau and with the wider EA network but being recognised is pretty special.
“Helen and I have both learnt so much from each other as a result of my role as an Enterprise Adviser. My background as a HR professional has been invaluable as I am able to draw on my technical expertise to support students but also good communication and networking skills are key too.”
Patrick, Year 13, said:
“Anna was great. She clearly outlined what an employer would look for when completing a psychometric test. She showed us how each element of the test would examine our suitability for that particular job role. I could tell she had lots of experience in talking with other students about their careers, and I felt confident in her ability to help improve my presentation in an interview situation”.
Alison Brannick, Principal at Landau Forte College Derby, said:
“Anna is a fantastic Enterprise Advisor and brings so much added value to the school. She has been instrumental in developing our careers strategy over her time working with us and I am delighted her impact has been recognised.
“Anna’s influence goes well beyond the work she’s done with the school – her relationships within the business community have been invaluable in helping to broaden our links with local employers. We were all crossing our fingers for her and we’re so pleased that she’s won!”