A free workshop which sees entrepreneurs and business leaders come into schools to meet and inspire students, has hit a major milestone.

The Federation of Small Businesses' Skills 30:30 event has now seen 1,000 people take part.

It is a free two-hour session held in a school for students in Years 10 to 12. One hour is spent running a workshop for 30 students about the skills needed in the world of work, while 30 businesses network in a nearby classroom.

Then both groups of students and businesses get together for facilitated speed-networking. The speed networking enables students to meet a wide range of different business owners face-to-face; to gain contacts and to increase their self-confidence.

FSB Kent skills lead, Paul Andrews, said: “We started this as a one-off a few years ago, as businesses were telling us it was really hard to find the right staff. They also didn’t believe the younger generation had the soft skills they were looking for. However, the format worked and schools kept inviting us back.

"We are delighted now that 1,000 businesses and students have taken part in a Skills 30:30 event. These workshops break down barriers and give students direct insight into the world of work. The results speak for themselves; both students and firms really benefit from taking part.”

FSB Kent area leader, Deborah Turner, added: “We believe more needs to be done to improve the quality and impartiality of careers advice, information and guidance for young people. Skills 30:30 does just this, by encouraging direct input from local firms.