Our Team
Andrew Hanson, Education Business Partnership (EBP) Manager, began reaching out to partners from both the education and business worlds to understand the challenges they face and what support is needed to address these in April 2018.
Andrew has a background in partnership working, most recently as a Relationship Manager for Sport England in the South West, managing lottery-funded projects.
Andrew offers a short profile of himself:
“I jumped at the chance to join the Somerset EBP as its focus on skills and employability can make such a difference for individuals and businesses across Somerset. Prior to this role, I worked in the sports sector for 25 years, with roles spanning qualifications development, sports policy and managing lottery investment. Helping people to develop and achieve their goals has been a key driver in all my work. Away from my desk I enjoy getting outdoors, mostly running or cycling – it just depends on the weather and the coffee and cake options available.”
In June 2018, Rachel Burrell commenced as Education Business Partnership Coordinator. Rachel is responsible for EBP’s communications, including social media, website content and events. She also meets with businesses and opportunity providers as part of her research into successful and effective solutions to real-world issues faced by employers regarding collaboration with schools and recruiting appropriately skilled and committed young people.
Rachel explains why she was keen to join the partnership:
“Having worked in the education and training sector for nearly a decade, I was very excited to join the Somerset Education Partnership as, in business, I have experienced recruitment and retention challenges and during my time working at a school I witnessed frustrated young people finding their way into work challenging and overwhelming. Through encouraging engagement, communication and effective work-related learning schemes, I believe Somerset Education Business Partnership can help both businesses and young people to thrive.”
If you would like to contact Andrew or Rachel at the EBP, please email support@somerset-ebp.co.uk. Alternatively, call 01823 785440.
Released On 29th Aug 2018