Shape the workforce of the future

2nd September 2022

POSTPONED

Update on Saturday 10 September:

Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, all non-essential council events and activities are being postponed as a mark of respect, until after the state funeral.

We will let you know when a new date has been arranged for this networking breakfast.

Sandwell Council and partners are holding a free networking breakfast in West Bromwich on Tuesday 13 September for Sandwell-based employers.

At the event, you will find out how your industry can help shape the workforce of the future, as well as nurture skilled, highly employable people within your business. It will cover topics such as taking on apprentices, getting free training to upskill your team and the advantages of T levels. T levels are technical-based qualifications developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that their content meets the needs of industry.

One of our newest Sandwell Business Ambassadors, Sarah Onions, will be attending in her capacity as Assistant Managing Director – Skills and Apprenticeships at Sandwell College. Sarah’s employee engagement team at the college partners with local businesses and helps them with recruiting, upskilling and retaining staff.

A representative from parcel giants DPD Group – one of Sandwell’s biggest employers – will give you an employer’s lowdown on the benefits of becoming an Enterprise Adviser.

An Enterprise Adviser partners with a local secondary school or college and uses their skills, business experience and networks to help them development a strong and inclusive careers programme. You’ll also have many opportunities to meet new people over coffee and breakfast – including representatives from Serco.

Councillor Simon Hackett is Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for Children and Education. He said the event will be of huge benefit to local employers, and it could bring even greater good for Sandwell’s next generation of employees. “We want Sandwell businesses to thrive – and that means attracting and retaining a diverse range of talented people whose skills they continue to nurture. There are many training programmes and tools to help employers do that, and this breakfast event in September will share details of lots of the support available.

“Educating employers about what’s on offer will be of huge benefit to our young people coming through the education system too. By offering apprenticeships, T levels and other in-work training, Sandwell businesses will be well equipped to offer jobs with excellent prospects and opportunities for continued personal and professional growth”.

The event is postponed until further notice.