TOP-NOTCH businessmen will be passing on the secrets of their success to a group of Worcester students.

The chief executive of BAe Systems until recently, John Weston, will be among the speakers at King's School, Worcester.

The former pupil announced his resignation from the aerospace giant in March, with an estimated £600,000 pay-off.

The conference aims to inform and inspire sixth-form students about the career opportunities in industry.

"It's not about listening to a lot of people talking about their industry," said head of careers Brian Griffiths.

"It's looking at transferable skills, such as teamwork and leadership that leads to success in business.

"We're aiming to dispel the myth that business people are unprincipled and cynical materialists."

It is hoped that the course, which is also holding an evening session for parents, will show that non-academic qualities, such as personality, are valued in industry.

Former speakers at the event have included Worcester Rugby Club owner Cecil Duckworth and David Jones, the chief executive of Next.

"We try to get leaders in industry, especially those with links to the school," said Mr Griffiths.

"But it's not just about successful businessmen giving talks.

"The Young Enterprise team, which has just won the Best Young Enterprise Company in the West Midlands, will also be giving a presentation."

The Industrial and Business Conference takes place this Thursday, June 28 and Friday, June 29.

As well as presentations there are also activities to promote teamwork and leadership.

One will include building a paper tower using only a broadsheet newspaper and one metre of sticky tape.

There is also a task to submit a tender to a firm requiring notepads.

"The conference is designed to make sixth-form students aware that industry is intellectually challenging, stimulating and rewarding," said Mr Griffiths.

"They'll then be able to use some of these skills in their work experience placements the following week."

TOP-NOTCH businessmen will be passing on the secrets of their success to a group of Worcester students.

The chief executive of BAe Systems until recently, John Weston, will be among the speakers at King's School, Worcester.

The former pupil announced his resignation from the aerospace giant in March, with an estimated £600,000 pay-off.

The conference aims to inform and inspire sixth-form students about the career opportunities in industry.

"It's not about listening to a lot of people talking about their industry," said head of careers Brian Griffiths.

"It's looking at transferable skills, such as teamwork and leadership that leads to success in business.

"We're aiming to dispel the myth that business people are unprincipled and cynical materialists."

It is hoped that the course, which is also holding an evening session for parents, will show that non-academic qualities, such as personality, are valued in industry.

Former speakers at the event have included Worcester Rugby Club owner Cecil Duckworth and David Jones, the chief executive of Next.

"We try to get leaders in industry, especially those with links to the school," said Mr Griffiths.

"But it's not just about successful businessmen giving talks.

"The Young Enterprise team, which has just won the Best Young Enterprise Company in the West Midlands, will also be giving a presentation."

The Industrial and Business Conference takes place this Thursday, June 28 and Friday, June 29.

As well as presentations there are also activities to promote teamwork and leadership.

One will include building a paper tower using only a broadsheet newspaper and one metre of sticky tape.

There is also a task to submit a tender to a firm requiring notepads.

"The conference is designed to make sixth-form students aware that industry is intellectually challenging, stimulating and rewarding," said Mr Griffiths.

"They'll then be able to use some of these skills in their work experience placements the following week."