"Brighter futures"... education partnership activity within Whitbread plc

Describes the approach taken by Whitbread plc to education/industry links, including detail of the structure, strategy and activities undertaken. The main objectives of the partnership are to ensure a balanced programme in terms of the benefits which are generated; equal benefits to Whitbread as to education and those in it. There are some key challenges for the movement as a whole, including proliferation of organizations, focus on quantity, and lack of focus on quality. A considerable review needs to be undertaken not only of the number of organizations, but also of funding based on targets. Universal work experience for all year 11 students is unnecessary and a barrier to the achievement of quality.