World Youth Skills Day - Invest In Your Future, Now
Today marks the #unitednations World Youth Skills Day. The UK has a shortage of skills, now has never been a better time to invest in your future workforce.
Workforce planning is key to your strategy, so have you thought about how you will pipeline talent for the next 1,5,10 years?
Let's think about your 5 year plan. The apprentices that could bring you fresh perspective and innovative thinking to your business are in there 2nd/3rd year of secondary school.
The graduates you need for your training programme have just finished their first year at University.
Do they know who you are? Have you made them aware that there is an opportunity in your field? Have you told them what you need?
The chances are (for many), is that you'll wait until nearer the time, attend recruitment fairs, advertise on the usual noticeboards and maybe reach out to your usual agencies. There is nothing wrong with that, but the war on talent is real. There is a more strategic route you can take to ensure that you get the best people to fit your business. I'm not talking about the best students traditionally, with lot's of A's. We all know that grades are not the only indicator. I mean those who will FIT your business, who have the skills and behaviours to meet your needs and help make your business a success.
Develop the skills you need for the future, now!
There are so many ways to engage with young people now. Developing Young Workforce can provide you with direct access to your future workforce for example. There are a variety of activities and opportunities you can offer:
- Work experience/internships
- Mock Interviews
- Mock Assessment Centres
- CV preparation
- Lunch and Learns
- Site/office visits
- Assembly talks
Consider building a relationship with schools that are close to your business. Spending the time and energy to get to know your future workforce means that you can have a direct hand in developing the skills you need for the future, now.
Young people don't know how to answer the competency based questions that we all ask in an interview. Help them to build the experience and capability to be able to answer those questions with confidence.
"To plant a seed is to believe in tomorrow" - Audrey Hepburn
You don't have to start from scratch either. Below is a list of agencies ready to help you plan and engage with your future talent, and funding is available to help too:
- DYW North East | Employers
- Apprenticeships | For Employers
- Adopting an apprentice (ourskillsforce.co.uk)
- Kickstart Scheme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Home - Career Ready - National Social Mobility Charity
There is no excuse not to help our young people prepare for their future, and the future of your own organisation.