First published in the Worcester News on 08.05.2015
Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership Chair – Mark Stansfeld
In my first few weeks in the role as Chair of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership I have been very impressed with the fantastic work that is taking place to benefit the County’s economy. There are some great opportunities where businesses can get further involved.
I am pleased to say that the World Class Worcestershire investment event on 28 April which brought investors, developers and employers to the County was a huge success. Delegates heard first-hand about the range of opportunities available and Lord Mervyn King, President of Worcestershire County Cricket Club and Former Governor of the Bank of England, provided an excellent key note speech on why Worcestershire was a great place to invest. This is one of a number events that will look to drive more investment in Worcestershire.
I am sure we would all agree that giving young people opportunities to gain meaningful work experience is valuable, if not critical in helping them understand what they may want to do when they leave school. The Connecting Schools and Business scheme, with a dedicated web portal, does just that and is an excellent way to assist businesses in offering placements to those who have an interest in their work specialism. All high schools in Worcestershire have signed up to the portal and I would encourage all businesses to do the same. Lets really get behind the programme and make it a fantastic success. Please sign up today at www.worcestershireskillscentral.co.uk
Apprentices also offer so much to the workplace. I am looking forward to Worcestershire’s second Apprenticeship Awards which are an excellent way to publically recognise and celebrate excellent local apprenticeship placements. This year’s ceremony is set to be even bigger and better and so do make sure you place your nominations before 31 May 2015.
Full details for the Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards, including sponsorship opportunities, are available on our website at www.wlep.co.uk. We also hope to see you at the awards themselves on 12 November which should be a fantastic evening hosted by Steph McGovern. If you haven’t yet appointed an apprentice, perhaps now is the time to consider doing so and we may see your apprenticeship schemes celebrated at future awards.