SECTOR FOCUS: SKILLS


Hired! College welcomes 15 new faces


They weren’t split into two teams, assigned


challenging tasks or made to battle it out in the boardroom, yet 15 budding business professionals have all been recruited as apprentices by Birmingham Metropolitan College. Following a successful


recruitment campaign which included use of the National Apprenticeship Service website, the five females and ten males will work across the college’s three main campuses in departments including data management, estates, finance and human resources.


‘The job roles they have been assigned will enable them to develop a range of valuable skills’


“As a leading education and training provider that delivers thousands of opportunities to people eager to progress in their chosen careers, it is only apt that we give some of our learners the chance to develop their professional experiences directly within our successful and thriving organisation,” said Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Christine Braddock CBE. “The job roles they have


been assigned will enable them to develop a range of valuable skills as well as give them the confidence and motivation to aim high throughout their careers.” Birmingham Metropolitan


College works in partnership with employers from across many sectors to deliver over 25 ‘on the job’ training programmes in areas such as accountancy, electrical, hairdressing, health and social care, IT and retail financial services.


Employers wishing to find out more about Apprenticeships can contact the Business Development team on 0121 362 1125 or by email on training@bmetc.ac.uk


44 CHAMBERLINK OCTOBER 2011 RIght job, wrong person


skills of would-be employees with the needs of employers, according to a Midland recruitment agency. Nikki Duggins, branch manager at


T


the Alcester offices of nationwide Talent Recruitment, is concerned that unemployment levels will remain in the doldrums as long as companies have to deal with increasing numbers of unsuitable candidates for jobs. A survey from the resourcing and talent planning department of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, found that 73 per cent of employers were worried about being swamped with inappropriate applicants for vacancies. Nikki said: “Although we have been unusually busy in the last couple of months, there is still an underlying problem for employers looking to recruit the right person


he jobs market will only improve if more effort is put into matching the


with the right skills. “Employers are finding that from


the CVs they receive for a particular vacancy there are quite often no candidates whose skills fit the criteria laid down. “There are two reasons for this.


Lack of talent: Nikki Duggins


‘There is still an underlying problem for employers looking to recruit the right person with the right skills


One, the high levels of unemployment and uncertainties about the economic future of the country mean a reluctance among the skilled workforce to voluntarily change jobs, and, two, there are so many chasing so few jobs that companies are being sent a whole range of candidates. “The reason why we are


achieving results among employers is that before we recommend anyone for a vacancy we make sure their skills match the job available. Recruitment agencies, said Nikki,


will feel the pinch from such a change in direction if they do not take care in matching the skills of their candidates to the job.


Enta opens doors to local MP


Erdington MP Jack Dromey has paid a visit to a local training organisation that has been tackling youth unemployment for more than 30 years. The Labour MP toured Enta CIC’s


training centre at Mill Wharf, Aston, a facility which helps equip young people for the world of work. Mr Dromey then went on to Little Mill, Enta’s nursery, which provides training opportunities for those interested in a career in childcare. He was accompanied by Kingstanding Labour councillor Catharine Grundy. Mr Dromey, who is also Labour’s


SPONSORED BY: BIRMINGHAM METROPOLITAN COLLEGE


shadow communities and local government minister, said: “Enta is a lifeline for young people across the city who would otherwise have no hope of training or finding work. “For a long time I have supported the work and impact of the organisation and it was really good to meet those young people who are trying to build a better future for themselves.” Enta chief executive Kevin Hayes said: “Welcoming Jack and Catharine to Enta was a pleasure for our staff


Seat of learning: Jack Dromey (centre) with Enta tutor John Breen and carpentry trainee Thomas Stokes


and our learners - we were all delighted to show off the great work we do here. “Our organisation has evolved to meet the needs of some of Birmingham’s most disadvantaged people and we really are making a huge difference – it was good that our local politicians had the opportunity to see this and meet the young people we are working with every day.”


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