By Andrew Cooper, chief executive of Bath Business Improvement District (BID).
As the school year ends and students step out into the world, it is important that the business community of Bath extends the hand of opportunity and inspiration to young people looking to take their first steps into the workplace. 
Helping and inspiring young people into work is a responsibility for all of us. Whether through offering work experience, work placement, or a full time apprenticeship, the business community has a key role to play in demonstrating career opportunities. Taking on students who are embarking on a vocational route for learning while at the same time making a valuable contribution to the work place is worth considering.
The Bath BID was given a clear mandate to support better city centre management, promotion and money saving initiatives, and the BID has been very successful within all three. However, the BID has also succeeded in reaching out to the wider community of Bath, encouraging and embracing the involvement of other groups and individuals whose collaboration has considerably strengthened BID activities. In doing so the BID has encouraged a wider feeling of ownership and participation across the city.
The BID has also had an important role to play in inspiring young people and, in a reflection of the conscientious approaches of businesses across the city, is also now offering an opportunity to one bright youngster.
18-year-old Alex Ainsworth had been on work placement with the BID since he started studying for a BTEC in Business. During his studies Alex spent two days a week working with BID Rangers and helping on events such as Bath in Fashion, the Great Bath Feast, and the Christmas Lights Switch On. Alex passed his BTEC with distinction and has shown so much commitment and promise that he has been rewarded with a permanent position as a BID Ranger.
“It’s a brilliant organisation,” explained Alex. “I wasn’t aware of the Business Improvement District in Bath before I started my work placement. I couldn’t believe how much it does for the city. The events give life to the city and I am happy to be a part of it.”
Alex will be working full time until the autumn when he becomes an apprentice with the new Swindon College and will be studying for his HNC in Business and Enterprise. “I can’t think of any better experience than working with the Bath BID to help me with my apprenticeship.” he told us.
At the Bath BID we have been proud to have been able to contribute in this way and to extend the hand of opportunity to a promising young man.
