The Blythe Valley Innovation Centre (BVIC), managed by the University of Warwick Science Park (UWSP) for Solihull Council, is fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs by providing young people in the West Midlands with a firsthand look into the world of business. The initiative is part of the ‘Life Ready Programme,’ which aims to expose students from local schools and colleges to various career opportunities and entrepreneurial pathways.

BVIC, a hub for innovation and technology-focused companies, has been actively engaging with schools such as Solihull Sixth Form College, Alderbrook School & Sixth Form, and Coleshill Heath School. Through workshops, career fairs, and interactive sessions, students are given valuable insights into the types of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the region and the potential career paths available to them.

Mark Tock, COO of the Science Park, and Victoria Lynch, Head of Commercial at UWSP, led a workshop at Solihull Sixth Form College, where they discussed entrepreneurship and the diverse work undertaken by SMEs. Additionally, staff from BVIC and tenant company VGC participated in a careers fair at the college, further broadening students' understanding of local opportunities.

At Alderbrook School, Tock and Lynch spoke with a group of 14-year-olds about the role of science parks and entrepreneurship, followed by mock interviews to help prepare students for future job opportunities. Lynch also supported a careers fair and market event, alongside businesses from UWSP, to showcase the region's diverse career possibilities.

Ian McFarlane-Toms, who manages business support programs at the Science Park, delivered a well-received session on business and innovation at Coleshill Heath Primary School, earning enthusiastic praise from the students.

Mark Tock emphasised the importance of the initiative, stating,

He added,

Reflecting on the engagement with over 200 students, Tock humorously noted that while the entire team enjoyed the experience, only Ian had the distinction of being called "awesome" by a 10-year-old student.