Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce brought business and education leaders together at Chilton Trinity School to unveil a new partnership aimed at inspiring the next generation of Somerset’s workforce

Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce has officially launched its Schools Chamber initiative, a new partnership designed to connect employers with schools across Somerset, delivered with Somerset Careers Hub and Somerset Education Business Partnership (EBP).

The launch took place on Tuesday 22 September at Chilton Trinity School, where representatives from local schools and businesses gathered for a presentation on the Schools Chamber strategy. At its heart is a simple mission: to bridge the gap between employers and education, so that young people can see first-hand the opportunities available to them on their doorstep.

The initiative aims to inspire, connect and empower young people through practical employer encounters, from workplace visits and mock interviews to STEM projects and enterprise challenges. For businesses, it offers a direct way to shape the future workforce, build relationships with local schools and help young people understand what working life really looks like.

The evening was also designed as a two-way conversation, with attendees invited to share their ideas and feedback to help shape the initiative as it develops, alongside the chance to connect with other employers over tea and coffee.

It was an honour to launch the new Schools Chamber initiative to a number of representatives from local schools and businesses. We see the partnership with the Somerset Careers Hub and Education Business Partnership as an important opportunity to help bridge the gap between employers and educators and create aspiration and inspiration in the young people that are going to be our future business leaders and teams that generate thriving local communities.

Thanks to Brian Stoneman of Academy ICT for sponsoring the event and showing how businesses can have a direct impact on schools.

Roger Smith, General Manager of Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce

The event was sponsored by Academy ICT, based at The Exchange, Express Park in Bridgwater. A price neutral EdTech specialist, Academy ICT provides ICT, IT and audio visual support to schools, academy trusts, federations and colleges across Somerset, Devon, Bristol and Bath.

Businesses that would like to get involved in the Schools Chamber initiative, or hear more about how they can support local schools, are encouraged to get in touch with the Chamber team at roger@sedgemoorchamber.co.uk.