'Education, education, education...'

This week saw many employees from CMP Members investing time and energy in the young people from our community.

On Wednesday, we held a Community Minds event at the Sixth Form College in Farnborough. A range of speakers, led by Principal Zoe Smallman, outlined developments of the post-16 curriculum and qualifications, before opening the floor to discussion of how to further connect the worlds of education and business.

Simon Jarvis spoke to this theme: 'We are here today in one of the finest sixth from colleges in the country, and it is saying to the local business community help us improve; help us to work with the 4,000+ wonderful, talented young people who come here – the future workforce, business leaders, entrepreneurs, your employees -  help us to help these young people better understand the world of work, the skills and qualities needed to succeed once they leave here.'

Thursday saw day 2 of the CMP initiative RAISE - a programme aimed at raising the aspirations of school students through a series of work-place visits, hosted by volunteer CMP Members. Last month had seen the cohort of year 9 students from Tomlinscote School visit Farnborough Airport and UK Connect. This month saw the intrepid group gain invaluable insight into the Village Hotel and BMW Group UK in Southwood.

At the Village, General Manager Rob Lees began the morning with an explanation of how the Hotel operates and the work of the many staff who handle the 1600 or so customers who come through the door every day.

Rob inspired a host of questions from absorbed students about every facet of the hospitality business, before taking them on a tour of the Hotel's facilities with Leisure Manager, Graham Carter. The morning ended with time for the students to have fun making their very own signature mocktails before enjoying the delicious pizzas they'd made themselves, fresh from the (very small!) Hotel kitchen!

Having gained a unique insight into the life of a large Hotel, the group drew breath before making their way to the HQ of BMW Group UK, where Cultural Transformation Expert, Jas Singh and a stellar team of colleagues, welcomed the youngsters. Jas introduced the group to many aspects of what is involved in the operation of a huge multi-national business.

A wide range of questions followed: from the price of a Rolls Royce, to the production of a Mini and the future of environment friendly fuels.

Gina Finn (Media and Events Manager), spoke about culture in the workplace, the extraordinary charity support (including CMP of course!) she oversees plus the importance of puppies in the office and her love of Christmas! Gillian Stayte (Agile Development Manager) provided invaluable insight into the diversity and inclusion groups actively supporting staff at BMW before handing over to degree apprentice Lucy, who enthralled the students with the story of her journey from school to employment, the application process and exactly what her role involves.

This brilliant day concluded with a session led by Captain Fun herself, Immie Dooley, who set the students the challenge of designing a new vehicle for BMW, building it (ok, it was only a model!) before pitching the virtues of their idea to judge Jas, Dragon's Den style.

Laden with goodie bags generously provided by the Village and BMW (sadly alas not the beautiful sleek top of the range car pictured!) but more importantly filled with ideas, enthusiasm, advice and inspiration, the students' extraordinary day was over.

What a great week! CMP at its best with Members truly grappling with a critically important issue, investing creativity and time, making a difference to the lives of young people in our community.