The Taskforce trialled a ‘flagship’ project to connect employers with communities during national Race Equality Week and National Apprenticeship Week (5-12 February 2024).
The project saw employers deliver careers insight and skills development workshops to local students and community members.
What we did
- The Taskforce reached out to large employers, partners and community groups to take part in this pilot.
- Employers were asked to run careers insight and skills development sessions for local adults from disadvantaged backgrounds. All participants were aged 19 plus and had a good level of English. We encouraged employers to design their own sessions based on what works for them, for example repurposing content that they might use for school leavers and graduates.
- Thirteen employers agreed to take part. Cadent, SSE, Weightmans LLP, Accenture, EY, Transport for West Midlands, Midlands Rail Alliance and Schumacher Packaging all successfully delivered workshops. These included an introduction to their companies, an overview of different jobs pathways at their organisations and a skills enhancement workshop, such as writing CV’s or practicing interview techniques. Some employers added their own twist, such as Accenture’s workshop on artificial intelligence.
- Four community organisations agreed to take part, and brought members of their community along to the workshops. Birmingham City University and South and City College Birmingham also took some of their students to take part. Department for Work and Pensions shared the workshops with the adults they work with. Community organisations were offered £600 to cover their costs.
- We have encouraged employers and community groups to stay in touch. For example, workers at Colebridge Enterprises have since been on a visit to the factory at Schumacher Packaging, to learn more about job opportunities there
What we learned
- Overall, the pilot was a great success. Feedback from participants has been positive and all employers are keen to take part in future activity.
- Employers were enthusiastic about making a difference. Together, we overcame some hurdles that make it hard for employers to host community members in their buildings, such as risk assessments. An important part of this was working with a trusted partner who could accompany a cohort of participants at the employer’s event, rather than advertise the workshops openly for individuals to sign up.
- We uncovered some challenges. A number of community organisations were not able to take part due to the short notice or limited capacity. Some people signed up to the events and arrived late or did not attend – with transport being identified as a key barrier. Other participants needed to leave early due to childcare. We had to cancel some of the events due to low registrations.
- A couple of participants told us that they were sceptical at the start of the workshop, but felt very positive by the end of it. They said that they did not believe the employers were genuine about creating opportunities for people like them, but taking part in this project has changed their minds.
- One employer (Schumacher Packaging) decided to host their workshop at the community partner’s (Colebridge Enterprises) location. This helped to reach people who had concerns about taking part. Meanwhile, other participants from community groups really valued the experience of travelling to the employer’s office or site, and said that it helped them to imagine a future there.
Next steps
The Taskforce’s jobs and skills work group will continue to collaborate with employers, partners and community groups to create more inclusive careers pathways. They are currently planning to deliver this project again in February 2025.
Thank you to partners and participants
Aaina Community Hub, Accenture, Aspire and Succeed CIC, Birmingham City University, Black Country NHS Foundation Trust, Cadent, Colebridge Enterprises, DWP, EY, Midlands Rail Alliance, Schumacher Packaging, Severn Trent, Shakespeare Martineau LLP, South and City College Birmingham, Rights and Equality Sandwell, SSE, Transport for West Midlands, Trowers and Hamlins LLP, Weightmans LLP, West Midlands Combined Authority.
Hear more about the workshops
Midlands Rail Alliance delivered an interactive day with students from Birmingham City University.
Schumacher Packaging visited Colebridge Enterprises in Chelmsley, to introduce their workers to future career opportunities.
SSE welcomed students from South and City College Birmingham to their site in Tyseley Energy Park.
Transport for West Midlands held a workshop for students from South and City College Birmingham to introduce young people to the transport sector.
Weightmans LLP delivered a workshop for students from Birmingham City University and jobseekers to highlight career opportunities in law firms.