THE CREATION of job opportunities for young people in Worcestershire was a key mission of last Friday’s annual employer’s conference held at Pershore College, part of college group WCG.
The event brought together around 50 employers, education providers and voluntary organisations, to showcase employment, apprenticeship and training opportunities from across the county.
Organised in collaboration with Evesham MP Nigel Huddleston and West Worcestershire MP Dame Harriett Baldwin, it was addressed by the Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern, Minister of State for Skills.
Rt Hon Baroness Jacqui Smith speaking at Pershore College. Picture by Marcus Mingins 2726002MMR4
The minister spoke about the challenges of trying to close the gap between the skills shortages that employers are facing, and spoke of the “moral outrage” and “enormous economic waste,” referring to the fact as highlighted in the recent Milburn report that more 1m young people currently classed as NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training).
Picture by Marcus Mingins 2726002MMR5
Principal and CEO of WCG, Sara-Jane Watkins urged those present in the room to open their doors to a young through by providing work experience or an apprenticeship and “be that business for the next generation”.
“They just need to be given that chance,” she said.
The room also heard from the Herefordshire and Worcestershire LSIP (local skills improvement plan) from Judy Gibbs of Worcestershire LEP and Lauren Ashfield, LSIP project manager, H&W Chamber of Commerce which detailed a focus on construction, health and car, and manufacturing.
The event was followed in the afternoon by a careers fair attended by more than 100 young people who spoke to a range of exhibitors from technology and engineering, to healthcare, horticulture, and hospitality.
With youth unemployment continuing to rise, the event aimed to connect local people with employers while highlighting the wide range of careers available on their doorstep.
Sara-Jane Watkins (Principal and CEO WCG). Picture by Marcus Mingins 2726002MMR3
Nigel Huddleston MP, who gave a special address, said: “Youth unemployment is a growing concern and getting that first step onto the career ladder has become increasingly difficult for many young people.
“Worcestershire is fortunate to be home to an incredible range of employers, from world-leading technology and defence companies to thriving hospitality, manufacturing and healthcare businesses.
“This event was about bringing those opportunities together in one place and helping people discover careers they may never have considered.”
After the event Sara-Jane Watkins told the Observer she was really pleased with the level of engagement with the number of businesses, civic leaders and politicians who attended.
Sara-Jane Watkins (Principal and CEO WCG) with the Rt Hon Baroness Jacqui Smith at Pershore College. Picture by Marcus Mingins 2726002MMR1
“We could not have had a more high profile event in terms of this is really important.
“We have to give learners an opportunity to get a foot in the door because we can all remember back to that first opportunity, first employer, that first engagement.
“These young people need that chance, especially with NEETs approaching 1.25m, we all have a moral obligation to engage.”
Evesham MP Nigel Huddleston. s
It is hoped that the event will lead to further schemes that strengthen links between education and industry and help more people access employment, apprenticeship and training opportunities across the region.
