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News

Business leaders from across the region are being invited to have their say on skills and recruitment at a special conference next week organised by Business Solent and Solent Skills Development Zone partners.

Organisers are keen to hear from employers about the skills gaps in their particular organisations and what they are looking for from potential employees.

Sue Francis, speaking on behalf of the Solent Skills Development Zone partners, said:
“We are offering employers a single point of contact. So whether they are looking for new employees with the right skill set or they want to train existing staff we are simplifying the process to provide a professional service to businesses.”

Solent Skills Development Zone (formerly Southampton focused) was developed by employers to address skill and workforce development needs. It provides a framework for key training and learning providers and support agencies to work collaboratively with employers to provide a co-ordinated programme - addressing the employment and skills needs of businesses and residents.

Karen McCarthy, HR Officer of SCA Group explains:
“Having been involved in the partnership work with the Southampton Skills Development Zone it has been a great opportunity to work collaboratively with other providers and Jobcentre Plus to support our recruitment needs to help those looking to enter work within the Health & Social Care sector. We have to date taken on two apprentices and have also offered another a full time position with SCA Care and will be looking to recruit more in the future.”

The consultative event taking place on Tuesday involves local businesses, leading training and learning providers, Southampton City Council and Jobcentre Plus. It will introduce Solent Skills Development Zone and what it means for local employers and provides a platform for organisations to:

• Determine local skills and recruitment challenges
• Input into the key employment and skills priorities within Southampton and the Solent
• Identify the relevance of central government’s employment and skills programmes and connect with local providers
• Develop an employer engagement strategy that provides businesses with a single employment and skills ‘offer’ and ‘entry point’

Sue added: “We are really keen to hear from employers and we want to showcase how we can help them.”

Sally Lynskey, CEO of Business Solent said: “This is a great chance for business to discuss their skills needs and hear about some of the current opportunities and for providers to gain a better understanding of the skills that are needed now and in the future.”

The event is sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions Work Programme Providers, A4e and Maximus with its partner CDG, together with Southampton City Council.

Business Solent News