One of the region’s leading entrepreneurs has issued a rallying call for Cheshire and Warrington businesses to make work experience and connecting with young people a top priority “to build a skilled workforce that secures our region’s prosperity for decades”.
Steve Purdham, whose business successes include building one of the first UK Internet Unicorns from the heart of Cheshire, delivered the passionate plea to 93 employers at the Cheshire and Warrington Careers Hub Employer Conference.
Organised by Cheshire and Warrington Careers Hub, the event at the De Vere Cranage Estate near Holmes Chapel saw employers share excellent best practice around work experience and was designed to shine a light on how employers can support and shape future talent.
And in his keynote speech, Mr Purdham, speaking in his capacity as Chair of the Cheshire Business Advisory Board urged the businesses attending to “go beyond doing good” and see employer engagement with young people as “a driver for growth, innovation and legacy”.
He said: “It’s not just about helping young people. It’s about building a skilled workforce that secures our region’s prosperity for decades. The wave starts here — and it starts with us.”
His rallying call was issued at a conference attended by businesses spanning sectors as diverse as nuclear energy, pharma, construction, healthcare, engineering, finance and hospitality. The event used round tables and interactive workshops to share innovative approaches to work experience across some of Cheshire and Warrington’s 41,000 businesses.
There was also a diverse, six-person youth panel from across the region whose experiences ranged from exploring apprenticeships and supported employment, to the successful completion of the T-level pathway.
Those attending included Mark Duffy, Engineering and Education Development Manager from nuclear specialist Sellafield, whose bases include Warrington. Its comprehensive work experience approach supports apprenticeship recruitment and engages directly with teachers to help shape the future work force.
While Kim Hardman, Director of Apprenticeships from Astra Zeneca, whose bases include Macclesfield, spoke about the importance of collaboration and employers sharing best practice. The pharmaceutical company has evolved their work experience approach to be more accessible and progressive, including virtual work experience.
Three students from Petty Pool Vocational College in Sandiway, Northwich were also able to utilise the event for their own work experience – supporting the Cranage Hall restaurant team during lunch.
The Cheshire and Warrington Careers Hub works directly with schools, colleges, apprenticeships providers and employers to ensure young people from all backgrounds benefit from quality careers education and work experience so that they are ready for the world of work. It is funded by national careers education body The Careers and Enterprise Company, with additional support from Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington,
Businesses wishing to find more about how the Cheshire and Warrington Careers Hub could assist them can email [email protected]
