Education boss spots glimmers in the gloom

Glimmers In The Gloom, held at Canary Wharf's East Wintergarden in front of employers and trainers, sums up a tough year for the charity during the recession.

Career Academies UK, which has its headquarters in One Canada Square from where it works with more than 100 education establishments all over the country, relies on companies to offer its students experience through interships.

But as businesses go through the downturn, groups like Career Academies suffer the knock-on effects.

Speaking at the annual meeting last Tuesday, chief executive John May said: "Where we've struggled is finding enough employers to open their doors and provide summer internships.

"The companies end up in two groups. Those who won't have interns coming in during the recession and those who would continue to invest even though there was a recession.

"It's been a struggle. Many young people this summer are not going on internships. Some have a place but are not paid or they are having a shorter experience.

"But I've got no doubt we'll have a forward thinking debrief in the autumn."

As well as being recession hit, another constant struggle for the group is in the political arena.

Although the soundings from the Government are positive and sympathetic in recent months, the White Paper on education left Mr May disappointed.

He said: "It made no reference to education business links despite having a whole section on partnerships."

Despite these problems Career Academies, an American concept which was established in 2001 in the UK, remains positive.

It has more than 70 companies supporting it and 800 students taking part in summer internships this year.

Founded by the business industry - its advisory board includes Citigroup's chairman
Sir Win Bischoff, Canary Wharf Group CEO George Iacobescu and the Financial Services Authority's CEO Hector Sants - it has supporters in high places.

And it is that support, as well as the energy and optimism of its students which gives Career Academies the "glimmers" of hope for the future.

Mr May said: "The state of play is challenging particularly looking forward to election fever.

"There are real opportunities to move forward. Career Academies continues to provide the glimmer.

"It's been a very difficult year for Career Academies. But we will keep finding mentors and business links for every young person who wants one and providing seminars for people who want them."

Mr May says he sees the recession, as well as the growing competition from emerging nations such as India and China, as challenges.

He said: "You can look at that challenge in two ways. Put your head in your hands and rock back and forth or you grasp the opportunity.

"Today's newspapers say there are 50 graduates for every vacancy. But our people are growing up in a global economy. We will continue to prepare them for the future."