A LIST of schools taking part in a special business programme has been announced

The schools in the business and school partnerships for the 2018/19 Thurrock’s Next Top Boss programme have been announced.

Thurrock’s Next Top Boss, run by Inspire Thurrock Council, gives young people the chance of working with local employers on real business challenges.

The businesses will set their challenge for the students to solve and develop and will work closely with the teams from October 2018 to January 2019 to ensure the judging criteria is met ahead of their final submission in the new year.

The awards ceremony will take place in March 2019 where the winning team will be announced.

Teams from nine schools and colleges from across the borough and Thurrock’s Youth Cabinet are taking part with local business partners.

It has been revealed that this year’s partnerships will be:

• Thames Chase, Land Of the Fanns partnership and Grays Convent High School

• H.W.Wilson and Ortu Gable Hall School

• Mears and The Gateway Academy

• intu Lakeside and Harris Academy

• Thurrock Council H.R team and Hassenbrook

• Rural Arisings and The Ockendon Academy Studio School

• Thurrock Council Public Health, USP Palmer’s Campus and St Clere’s

• Thurrock Lifestyle Solutions and William Edwards

• Thurrock CVS and Thurrock Youth Cabinet

James Halden, councillor for Education and Health, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for students in the borough to work with local businesses creating innovative solutions to the challenges set.

“In previous years some business partners have made students’ business ideas a reality. Last year’s Thurrock’s Next Top Boss programme saw the council’s sexual health provider commission the promotional video created by the team from Ortu Gable Hall School.

“Thurrock’s Next Top Boss is a great chance for our young people to step into the spotlight and I wish all students taking part the best of luck this year.”