The group got to meet an MP, members of the House of Lords and tour the House of Commons

Youngster visiting parliament thanks to Enterprise Co-operative Trust — Enfield youngsters visiting parliament thanks to Enterprise Co-operative Trust

Youngsters from Enfield spent a day meeting lawmakers and touring the Houses of Parliament as part of an event organised by a local education trust.

Enterprise Cooperative Trust (ECT) brought lords and MPs together to meet young people from Enfield and celebrate the trust’s success working within the community “to provide a variety of pathways to employment”.

The ‘Young People and Employers’ event in the House of Commons welcomed parliamentarians including Virendra Sharma MP, Baroness Garden of Frognal, Lord Addington and Lord Aberdare, among others. The event highlighted the importance of working collaboratively within communities to bring together young people and employers to “equip them with essential skills needed to fulfil their dreams and build the economy”.

Members of ECT, including founders West Lea School, Laurel Park School, Orchardside School, Chickenshed Theatre, The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (Conel) and Co-op spoke about the work being done in Enfield to break down barriers to employment and boost aspirations. As part of this, students shared their own personal experiences of the challenges they’ve faced, and how different pathways – beyond academic routes – have helped them overcome diversity, rediscover hope, gain independence and in some cases, secure employment.

Speeches even included a rap from a Chickenshed performer who recently appeared on Britain’s Got Talent. He delivered his personal story, A Letter To My Younger Self, to the parliamentarians.

Janet Leach, ECT chair, emphasised the importance of a community-minded approach so that all students, regardless of their abilities or needs, can have a bright future. She said: “As a collaboration between education providers, employers and charitable partners, ECT’s approach to employability exemplifies embracing difference, widening opportunities and access, and addressing the skill gaps in the current labour market.

“Whilst the trust is currently based in Enfield, we’re confident that its approach can be adapted and applied in other areas to tackle the workforce challenges seen across the country and ensure a greater number of young people are employed, in turn boosting the economy.

“We’ve had a brilliant reception and lots of positive responses already and look forward to working with policymakers and influencers to shape the agenda and help as many young people as possible.”

Nicholas, one of the young people supported by ECT who spoke at last week’s event, said: “It was so exciting to be able to come to the House of Commons and share my experiences of ECT with MPs. I am very proud to represent ECT and hopefully sharing my story today will help more young people realise their dreams and know that with the right support and opportunities, they can really make it happen.

“Through my supported internship, I have been able to develop useful skills and gain so much confidence. Because of ECT and Co-op, I understand fully what the world of work is really like and know the value I bring to my employer.”

Following the event, the ECT team is now looking to collectively develop a curriculum and local employment strategy which allows its model to be replicated on a national scale to equip all young people for the world of work and independence.

Enterprise Cooperative Trust (ECT) is a not-for-profit foundation co-operative, set up to extend the opportunities for all students in Enfield. To find out more:
Visit enterprisecooperativetrust.org.uk

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