YOUNG people received support from business leaders to help shape their future at an event held at a Worcester school.

The event at RGS Worcester was part of ongoing activities being rolled out by the Careers, Enterprise Company Worcestershire Enterprise Network.

Worcestershire County Council and its partners are helping to develop a network of enterprise advisors who will help students decide on a future career in schools across Worcestershire.

Advisers, made up of volunteers from across the business community, ensure that schools are supported by business leaders to provide good quality careers advice.

At the same time it shows the skills of talented youngsters, who can become the future workforce for companies across the county.

One of the companies who have already signed up to the scheme is ISO Quality Services Ltd, in Worcester. Operations director Jennifer Appleton recently helped to organise a Question Time-style event for 109 students as part of her role as the assigned enterprise advisor to RGS Worcester.

The event featured appearances from a series of leading business leaders including Carl Arntzen, CEO of Worcester Bosch, Tim Maxfield, Director of Business Development at the University of Worcester Business School and Victoria Rawlings, Worcestershire Young Apprentice of the Year 2015.

"This is the opportunity for businesses to get involved with young people to help shape their careers and give them the vital work experience they need," she said.

"They are after all, our workforce of the future."

It is hoped that more businesses will sign up to become enterprise advisors and will work with a school for a minimum of 12 months.

The commitment to the programme is as little as one day per month to support the facilitation of career related activities such as the 'Question Time' event.

Ken Pollock, cabinet member with responsibility for economy, skills and infrastructure at Worcestershire County Council, said: "I am very keen to see that all pupils in the county have the opportunity of gaining good advice and experience while still at school.

"This should help them appreciate the wide range of possible careers, many of which will not require a university degree.

"As a former university lecturer, I do not need convincing of the value of such a career path, but I am concerned that other avenues are sometimes looked upon as inferior."

As well as asking career related questions, students from RGS Worcester learned about interview techniques and job expectations.

Headmaster, John Pitt said: "We are particularly fortunate to have Jennifer Appleton as our enterprise adviser.

"For the pupils to be able to discuss with a genuine entrepreneur who runs her own company and can speak so openly about her experiences is particularly exciting and engaging for them.

"This level of advice and support is exceptional and I am very grateful to the careers and enterprise company for providing such expertise."

For more details about the programme email Worcestershire's Careers and Enterprise Lead MTope@worcestershire.gov.uk.