Business in the Community (BITC) is urging manufacturing leaders in the West Midlands to come together to engage the region’s young people to avoid millions of unfilled vacancies.
A debate held at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry and hosted by Business in the Community (BITC) will look at ways to get young people in to the manufacturing sector when looking for their first job.
The event is part of BITC’s ‘Future Proof’ campaign and will look at ways that companies can improve recruitment processes, make positions accessible for young people and break down barriers. The apprenticeship levy will also be discussed in detail at the event.
Campaign director, talent & skills for BITC, Grace Mehanna explained: “A recent survey of 4000 young people identified that one in three found the process of applying for jobs difficult.
“The most common barrier they face was a lack of previous experience according to 57% of respondents, with 26% quoting a failure to have the right qualification as another major concern.”
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“What we want to do with this event is start to unpick some of the underlying trends behind this research and get an insight into what can be done to overcome them and ensure the pipeline of young talent get the opportunities they deserve and firms the skills they need to prosper.”
The ‘Future Proof’ campaign is focused on providing expert advice and best practice to firms in order to attract fresh talent, the scheme also aims at giving young people the easiest possible route in to manufacturing. The scheme offers information, advice and activities in schools as well as making youth friendly introductions between education and industry.
There is also a free online tool available to identify where employment strategies are working well and the practical steps needed to improve. This takes just 15 minutes to complete and generates a free bespoke report for businesses.
Mehanna concluded: “There are a few spaces left for the event so, if you are interested in doing your bit for meeting the skills gap and an expected 12.5 million national vacancies by 2022, now is the time to step forward.”
