Member Article

Be Inspired by Business

Business owners from across South Yorkshire are being given a chance to meet nearly 500 school leavers at a special event which returns to the city next month.

Be Inspired is has been organised by Sheffield City Council and Skills Made Easy, a unique Government-led programme which provides practical and impartial advice to small and medium sized businesses within the Sheffield City Region, and aimed at businesses who are thinking of expanding their workforce.

Taking place at Ponds Forge on 12th March, the event provides a free opportunity for businesses to exhibit, meet school leavers who are considering their next steps and offers a chance for employers to meet potential apprentices, showcase vacancies and discuss potential careers when school.

Last year, the Be Inspired event saw over 450 final year students attend and help to fill over 180 vacancies within businesses who exhibited at the event. One success story saw DMF Digital, an independent Yorkshire based record company who attended the event last year, successfully recruit twelve 16 to 18 year olds on a creative apprenticeship programme. The apprentices went on to support eleven bands at Sheffield’s Tramlines Festival, as well as securing a group contract to run regular Friday night shows.

Laura Hayfield, Programme Manager at Skills Made Easy said:

“Last year’s event was an incredible success, which helped businesses in the region to connect businesses with school leavers currently considering their options. This year we wanted to extend the invitation further, offering an opportunity for even more local businesses to get involved.

“It’s a win-win for all involved. For employers it’s a chance to meet motivated and enthusiastic young people who are currently considering their career options and for school leavers it’s a chance to talk to employers and find out the different types of jobs available.

Many young people aren’t entirely sure which path they want to take when the time eventually comes for them to leave education. The Be Inspired event is there to encourage and support young people as well as showing them that apprenticeships are an inspiring and useful programme to take part in.

“Skills Made Easy not only helps to source and hire apprentices, but we also give advice on apprenticeships and show how they can help you achieve your career throughout your time on the course.”

The Be Inspired event will run from 1:30pm to 4:30pm on Thursday 12th March at Ponds Forge, Sheffield. It is completely free to attend and there are limited places available for small and medium sized businesses to book a stand.

To book a stand simply contact the Skills Made Easy team on 0114 229 6186 or email laura.hayfield@sheffield.gov.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Skills Made Easy .