This week sees the launch of an ambitious campaign aimed at inspiring a generation through the power of businesses in Hampshire.

Companies are being asked to help shape the next crop of leaders and workers through an innovative project led by the Reworked Opportunities Charity (ROC).

Today sees the start of a bid to get 1,000 businesses signed up to help develop a cohesive careers advice service to every school in Hampshire.

The charity has given itself a target of 100 days to recruit the huge number of businesses it needs to help deliver a programme that it hopes will better link the education pupils receive with the skills needed for the workplace.

“It’s an ambitious target, the biggest campaign we’ve run” explained Kat Linsley Hood, fundraising director.

“The idea is to engage with as many businesses as possible to enable us to provide schools with educational materials to help inspire children as to their future roles.”

Launching the campaign at Ringwood School, ROC is aiming to bring the world of work into the school education system.

The charity is developing materials which will be available free of charge to schools which feature job roles and industries in which the children and young people could work when they leave school.

The materials will be based around the curriculum requirements, combining current learning activities with their purpose in the workplace.

Businesses that sign up will see their logo feature on promotional materials and websites, help develop school support resources and will be invited to events.

If successful, the campaign will reach 750 schools and 250,000 children across Hampshire.

Kat added: “We are looking for businesses of all sizes, shapes and industries.

“We are asking for a small donation from each supporting company to help cover the cost of the development and production of the materials along with enabling us to provide additional support to the schools.

“Getting 1,000 businesses across to support not only the campaign but children’s futures will be one of the biggest movements of its kind within the business world.

“It shows a real commitment from businesses to help and support the next generation of employees.”

To get involved in the campaign, visit inspireageneration.org.uk.