(L-R) Back row – Gary Norwood from 2Logic, Viren Dhunday, on work placement with the council’s People Development and Experience Team, Keene Bathan, Waste Logistics and Quality Officer at the council following work experience, Sarah Prescott, council Youth Employment Support Manager, Tiah Faulkner, a Level 4 Data and Information Governance Apprentice at the council following work experience, Councillor Chris Burden, council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, and Emma Wheway from Elec Training. Front row – Students from The Khalsa Academy in Wolverhampton
Employment partners have come together to issue a rallying call to Wolverhampton businesses to provide more workplace experiences for young people.
City of Wolverhampton Council, West Midlands Combined Authority’s Careers Hub and The Careers & Enterprise Company yesterday (Wednesday) hosted an event at Molineux Stadium to highlight how businesses can get involved.
Flexible workplace experiences make it easier than ever for businesses, especially small to medium enterprises, to get involved and make a real difference.
Options include offering project experience for a day, hosting a young person one day a week, or inviting a class in just for a few hours so they can see what goes on in a business.
The council’s Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, Councillor Chris Burden, said: “Too many young people in the West Midlands are missing out on workplace experiences because there aren’t enough being offered.
“This week’s event was about highlighting to city businesses – no matter how big or small – the flexible ways they can support young people in this space.
“Whatever works for businesses, works for us – and the young people of Wolverhampton.”
Erica Chamberlain, Head of Strategic Business Partnerships at The Careers & Enterprise Company, said: “Workplace experiences are one of the most powerful ways young people can explore career options, develop employability skills and build confidence.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the West Midlands economy, and they play a vital role in shaping the future talent pipeline, but we know that time and capacity can be a challenge. That’s why we’re championing flexible approaches that make it easier than ever for SMEs to get involved, whether it’s a few hours, a day, or something more regular.
“The benefits for business are real too, from fresh perspectives and energy to early access to emerging local talent. This is about creating simple, meaningful opportunities that work for employers and inspire the next generation.”
Any businesses interested in offering workplace experiences or want more information should contact the council’s Gemma Lisseman, Open Door Work Experience Co-ordinator, on 01902 552690 or 07773 190497, or email gemma.lisseman@wolverhampton.gov.uk