Careers chief to retire

9:34am Friday 22nd February 2008

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PETER Renshaw is retiring next month as Chief Executive of young people's advisory service Connexions Somerset.

Mr Renshaw, 58, came to Somerset in 1984 as a senior careers office and held posts as Education/Industry Development Officer, County Careers Officer and Managing Director before his current role.

He previously worked for Devon Careers Service and taught teacher at Sidmouth Secondary School, Devon.

Mr Renshaw is proud of what Connexions has achieved - Somerset has one of the highest rates of young people employment, education and training in Britain.

Its last Oftsed inspection rated it good' and it has held Investor in People status four times in succession.

He said: "A lot of that has been down to successful partnership working.

"I've always likened those partnerships to a marriage - you have the odd tiff with your partner, but at the end of the day you realise you have a common purpose.

"In our case that's been working for the benefit of young people in our county."

He said there needed to be more stability in education and training after recent changes.

He wants employers to continue to take an active role in the training and development of staff.

He added: "All of us have to play a part in developing the workforce of tomorrow and employers need to take their responsibilities seriously.

"Training must be seen as an investment, not a cost."

Mr Renshaw is well known for judging young people's award projects, something he aims to continue in retirement.