HC Deb 01 May 2002 vol 384 cc793-4W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what has been done since 1997 in the West Midlands to promote business in schools. [51482]

Nigel Griffiths

[holding answer 24 April 2002]: Key programmes in schools include: Enterprise Insight and the Enterprising Schools initiative.

Since 1997, activities have included getting children of primary school age to experience the world of work, and the funding of local Education Business Partnerships so that pupils could undertake work placements.

The Excellence in Cities initiative has provided learning mentors from the world of business who act as role models when they visit schools.

The DfES Teacher Placement Service helps teachers to spend time in industry.

I am encouraging local successful entrepreneurs to return to their school and talk about the exciting opportunities and challenges in business.