The first two businesses have been chosen to spearhead a new initiative to support careers provision in Cumbria.

Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership announced that Lakeland Arts and Oxley Group, in Ulverston, have been chosen as Cornerstone Employers.

They will give strategic support to clusters of secondary schools and colleges in the county in partnership with the LEP and The Careers & Enterprise Company.

This will involve investing time and resources to inspire young people across the county, ensuring that they have access to meaningful engagements with employers and gain the work experience they need to help them make informed choices about their futures.

They will also act as champions to encourage more businesses in the area to get involved, as well as encourage their own staff to become volunteer enterprise advisers.

Darren Cavan, chief executive at Oxley Group, said: “We are totally committed to building employability skills for the future and helping to raise the aspirations of young people; supporting them in making informed decisions about their future and providing positive career role modelling.

“Oxley is also focused on developing an interest in STEM careers and proactively supporting young women into STEM opportunities.

“Oxley has been in Cumbria for 77 years and the whole team feel an enormous sense of pride in giving something back to the community and supporting future generations.”

Helen Tappenden, HR manager at Lakeland Arts, said: "This fantastic initiative is a great way help prepare young people for the world of work.

“By working with local schools across Cumbria and partnering with other local employers we can develop skills across arts, heritage and many other sectors whilst also highlighting to our young people the breadth of employment that is available in Cumbria.”

Any businesses interested in working with the LEP to help young people on their career path can contact Craig Ivison by emailing Craig.Ivison@thecumbrialep.co.uk