The first in a series of virtual events has been hailed a success after more than 75 people applied for jobs or signed up for training with a major city employer after attending.
Derby City Council’s Economic Growth Sevice launched Derby Jobs Live following feedback from employers in a variety of sectors who are struggling to recruit staff.
More than 100 people registered for the first online Derby Jobs Live session last month, to find out what it is like to work for multinational infrastructure group Balfour Beatty, how to apply for their current live vacancies and whether they could benefit from training.
Over 50 people have applied for training courses which will be delivered remotely by training provider CT Skills, allowing candidates to gain a CSCS card – which provides proof that they have had the relevant training to be on a building site.
All those who complete and pass the three-week course will gain a Level 1 Awards in Construction and Employability followed by an interview for construction-based vacancies with Balfour Beatty.
Stuart Graham, Employment and Skills Manager for Balfour Beatty, said:
We are delighted to have worked alongside Derby City Council promoting some of the amazing opportunities we have available in our company. Here at Balfour Beatty, we pride ourselves in having an inclusive and diverse workforce and we therefore open our vacancies up to as wide a pool of talent as possible.
We look forward to working further with Derby City Council in the future, fulfilling our commitment to attract top talent, helping upskill and working with the people of Derby.
Derby Jobs Live offers city-based employers an opportunity to showcase their vacancies and promote the benefits of working for their organisations directly to job-seekers. Where required, the team works alongside relevant Employment and Skills providers to offer training required for the roles.
The events form part of a brokerage service from the Council’s Employment & Skills team that helps connect employers and training providers to people looking for work opportunities and training programmes.
Derby Jobs Live will feature a variety of Derby-based employers. This month, leading rail firm Alstom will put the spotlight on apprenticeships and graduate vacancies to tie in with the recent National Apprenticeships Week.
Those attending the 45-minute online session on 16 February will hear directly from Alstom management and current apprentices, who will talk about working at Alstom, the opportunities available and will answer any questions.
Cllr Evonne Williams, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills at Derby City Council, said:
Derby has been synonymous with the rail industry since its inception and it’s important that we continue to train and retain a pipeline of highly-skilled people. We are delighted to support Alstom with their recruitment and especially to highlight graduate and apprenticeship opportunities which are available for people of all ages.
I think that one of the best things about the Derby Jobs Live project is that we are supporting adults to retrain and upskill, all while providing a stream of talent for employers facing skills shortages.
Alison Knight, Alstom Head of Talent, UK & Ireland said:
People of all ages are welcome to attend our online information session, whether they’re starting out or looking for a change of career. You don’t necessarily need a recent degree in engineering – or even a degree at all. We’re looking for enthusiastic people who can think independently and want to succeed in the world of engineering. Come along and discover how rail can be the future for you!
Register for the February Derby Jobs Live event
Employers who would like to feature on a Derby Jobs Live session should contact the Employment and Skills Team employmentandskills@derby.gov.uk
