Early Connect pilot to set up Lancashire Employer Engagement working group

The Lancashire Skills & Employment hub is working with the Department for Education on the Early Connect Pilot which aims to support the overall number of apprenticeships taken up by school leavers. They are looking to connect to businesses who already employ young people and apprentices to capture best practices and promote the recruitment of young people.

Findings show that Lancashire has a shortage of early career opportunities advertised, which are suitable for young people.  This results in fewer students leaving education at age 18 but more importantly doesn’t show young people that businesses and industry want them. Similarly, teachers and staff in education are left to advise students on what makes a good application and how to prepare for selection processes which can often leave a gap in focus between a traditional academically lead CV and the skills employers are looking for and need.

The Pilot is now looking to set up an Employer Engagement working group with a view to:

•            Highlight employers who recruit young people (age 18).

•            Promote opportunities to students looking to start an apprenticeship in the summer of 2025.

•            Amplify the employer’s voice about what makes a good potential candidate.

•            Use sector/location data from registered students to target employers to consider recruiting.

•            Potentially broker introductions between employers and registered students.

•            Increase staff knowledge of apprenticeships in sixth forms so they can better support students in the future.

•            Reach those students who need the greatest support.

•            Increase employers’ understanding of apprenticeships and what young people aspire to become.

The working group will comprise employers, business networks, providers (business development), and others.  Delivering actions individually or collectively to support the delivery and impact of the pilot.

To share your experiences in the first instance, please contact [email protected]