Junior Chamber launched to link students with business

A junior Chamber of Commerce has been launched in a link-up between Frome & District Chamber of Commerce and Frome College.

The initiative hopes to connect young people with local businesses and introduce them to the range of creative and diverse opportunities in the local area.

Lucy Ponsillo, a member of the Frome Chamber committee who is leading the project, said, “It is vital to include young people’s voices when developing initiatives that connect the local community and local businesses. Last year, approximately 150 students were without work placements, and in a town with such a rich range of industries and opportunities, it felt like the Chamber could help bridge that gap.”

The first Junior Chamber meeting took place on 9th July, where students shared their ideas on issues affecting young people and were introduced to paid project opportunities that would support the main Chamber. The long-term aim is to create meaningful work experience opportunities for the students and, over time, allow them to be rewarded for their contribution by creating their own fund that can directly benefit the college and its students through work undertaken in support of the Chamber.

Chair of Frome Chamber Peter Quintana said, “We are excited to see this project come to fruition. Young people are vital to the future of our town, and being able to help amplify their voice is a privilege. Long-term, our ambition is to create a skills development and education fund, supported by local businesses, that would provide resources and paid opportunities for students and college graduates

“The Chamber believes giving young people a platform to bring forward initiatives based on their lived experience is hugely valuable. It has identified a clear gap in youth voice and recognises that, in the current climate, many young people face barriers to entering the workplace.

“Building relationships with businesses early can give students valuable insight and experience, while helping them develop confidence and employability skills.

“The Chamber exists to support, connect and represent local businesses. Our role is to help create a thriving business community by providing opportunities for networking, collaboration, promotion and growth, while also acting as a collective voice on issues affecting the local community.”

Pictured l-r: Junior Chamber members Gracie Gallagher, Thea Mason-Davies and Bethany Mounsey with Peter Quintana and Lucy Ponsillo