Businesses in West Yorkshire will be able to recruit from a
talent pool of hundreds of professionally-trained graduates under
a new scheme launched by regional mayor today (23 January).
The Graduates West Yorkshire scheme is the first of its kind for
the region, and will see up to a thousand graduates undergo
rigorous employability training, to prepare them for jobs in the
regional economy.
The graduates will then be matched with small and medium-sized
businesses in the region, progressing on to interviews, six-month
work placements and, in some cases, permanent employment.
Over 100 graduates have completed the award-winning development
courses so far, which are delivered by the leading higher
education careers consultancy Gradconsult.
The Mayor is now encouraging small and medium-sized firms (SMEs)
to register their interest in the free graduate scheme. Firms
that apply will receive wrap-around support with the recruitment
and retention of a graduate that is right for their business.
, Mayor of West Yorkshire,
said:
“Here in West Yorkshire, we have seven leading universities
producing thousands of talented graduates every year, alongside
thousands of local businesses that are crying out for skilled
workers.
“Yet the path from university to employment isn't always clear,
with young people too often feeling that they lack the real-world
transferable skills they need to be an asset to a business.
“With this new grad scheme, we'll ensure that our small and
medium-sized firms can access the reliable talent they need, by
equipping our graduates with the skills they need to contribute
to a stronger, brighter region.”
Mandy Ridyard, Business Advisor to the Mayor of West
Yorkshire, said:
"This new graduate scheme is a direct result of our conversations
with businesses, who tell us they need better access to talent.
"This scheme is free to our SMEs that have a compelling
entry-level offer, but who are struggling to compete with the big
grad schemes of multinational companies.
"Joining the dots between our businesses and talented graduates
from our universities can help drive growth, and is a great
example of devolution in action."
Thu Thu, an MSc International Marketing graduate from
Leeds Beckett University, said:
“I joined the Graduates West Yorkshire Programme to bridge the
gap between university and professional life, and contribute to
the vibrant SME sector in West Yorkshire.
“The development programme has been an incredible opportunity to
access new skills and network with fellow, talented graduates in
the same area.
“I have recently been matched with two marketing roles, and I
have also gained continuous support from the program throughout
the interview processes.
“I'm excited to explore fulfilling marketing career opportunities
with local businesses, hopefully secure a permanent job offer
soon, and make a meaningful impact with my ideas."
The new scheme, which aims to enrol 1,000 graduates on
development courses over the coming year, is designed to meet the
needs of recent graduates who do not have a clear pathway into
employment, but who could thrive in a local business setting.
A Geography graduate could find themselves training to become a
qualified chartered surveyor at a medium-sized property company,
while a graduate in Fine Art could embark on a career in graphic
design at a small printing firm.
After starting their paid employment, graduates will also receive
access to a peer network that can drive their professional
development. Firms that take part will be asked to pay at least
£23,400 FTE for their work placement opportunities.
So far, 121 graduates have received specialist training at a
Gradconsult development centre, with the first cohort starting
their paid placements at local firms this week.
Tejashwi Kumari, a graduate of Leeds Beckett University
who has started as a Marketing Executive at Cleckheaton-based
radiofrequency ID specialists HYKK Solutions, said:
“Joining this graduate program has been a great opportunity,
helping me secure a role as a marketing executive and identify my
strengths, like being a self-motivator.
“Though I've just started at HYKK Solutions, I'm excited to
explore different areas of the business and develop new skills
that will contribute to the company's growth.
“This program is a win-win, enabling graduates to discover their
strengths while providing valuable talent to organisations."
Heath Parkin, Director of HYKK Solutions, said:
“The Graduate Placement Scheme was fast, efficient and incredibly
valuable. It helped us address our digital profile and inbound
marketing challenges by matching our needs with talented
graduates.
“The calibre of candidates provided by the Placement Team was
outstanding, and we're delighted to have employed a graduate on a
short-term part-time contract. I would highly recommend the
scheme to businesses of all sizes – it worked for us!”
Graduates are encouraged to find out more about the scheme by
visiting: www.futuegoals.co.uk/graduates.
Businesses are encouraged to find out more by visiting: www.wybusiness-skills.com/graduates.
Notes to editors
HYKK Solutions Ltd
specialise in innovative RFID tag solutions and consultancy for
all industries, as well as RFID readers for both Companion &
Agricultural animals.
