At the end of May, current Year 11 and Year 13 students will leave their schools and colleges for the final time.  With no formal examinations this summer, this will mark the end of school / college life for many students as they consider their next steps.

The Lancashire Careers Hub are calling all Hyndburn employers to consider their recruitment needs in advance of this influx of new talent into the world of work, and act now to create and promote apprenticeships, trainees and other opportunities.

Businesses can publicise their vacancies on social media using the hashtags #inspiringlancashire and #upskillinglancashire.  They are urging businesses to show their commitment to engaging with young people and supporting their education by signing up to the Lancashire Skills Pledge at  https://www.lancashireskillshub.co.uk/lancashire-skills-pledge/

Dr Michele Lawty-Jones, Director, Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub said “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Amazing Accrington group, to engage Hyndburn businesses in the work of the Careers Hub to boost the aspirations of our young people and to ensure that Lancashire employers are able to showcase local job opportunities and engage their future talent pipeline.

The time is now for our 2021 school and college leavers, and we are jointly encouraging local employers to consider their recruitment needs with a view to growing their own talent by engaging a younger person.  By signing up to the Lancashire Skills Pledge, employers will be given support to get involved in engaging young people in school and college, and to investigate different options for training, such as Apprenticeships.”

Gareth Lindsay, Managing Director of the North Lancs Training Group based in Accrington added, “We’re having a real drive to encourage apprenticeship placements within our local businesses. We provide training and reskilling to get people into work, and visit lots of local businesses to encourage them to reassess their needs and provide those opportunities to further their growth.”

Sara Britcliffe, MP for Hyndburn and Haslingden, added : “Young people can bring great value to an organisation.  I urge all Hyndburn businesses to look at their recruitment and training needs as we ease out of lockdown restrictions.  There is a wealth of support available to employers looking to create new positions for the next generation of workers, and lots of local providers who can help with this process. Let’s use this opportunity to create a real boost for the young people of Hyndburn!”

Parents and carers of young people are also urged to search for the #inspiringlancashire and #upskillinglancashire hashtags, and encourage young people to engage with the wealth of exciting business opportunities that exist in Hyndburn.