Birmingham’s universities unite to find employment for graduate pool
A unique collaboration of Birmingham’s leading higher education institutions and key regional stakeholders are set to launch a service to get unemployed and underemployed graduates into highly skilled work.
The Higher Level Skills Match Plus (HLSM Plus) fully funded service is designed to bridge the gap between EZ businesses and the city’s diverse graduate talent pool.
The launch event will take place at 5:30 pm on September 25, at the Council House, Victoria Square, Birmingham.
HLSM Plus is a joint initiative from Birmingham City University, Aston University, University College Birmingham, and the University of Birmingham, with strategic support from Birmingham City Council, the Department for Work and Pensions, Job Centre Plus, and the National Careers Service and Prospects.
The programme is specifically aimed at businesses operating within Birmingham’s Enterprise Zone, offering them exclusive access to tailored graduate recruitment and workforce development services.
In this collaborative partnership, the city’s universities and the Department for Work and Pensions Job Centre Plus in Birmingham and Solihull, National Careers Service and Prospects have joined forces to help address regional business needs, particularly in the areas of inclusive growth, job creation, and productivity.
Businesses within the Birmingham Enterprise Zone will have access to a diverse pool of highly skilled graduates who are equipped to meet the evolving demands of the local economy.
The launch event will provide businesses with an opportunity to explore how HLSM Plus can directly benefit them, including:
- A fully managed recruitment service that connects employers with graduates who are ready to meet industry needs.
- Tailored workforce development aimed at addressing skills gaps, boosting productivity, and driving long-term business success.
- A cost-effective solution with no placement fees or recruitment charges for businesses operating in the Enterprise Zone.
- Ongoing wraparound support for graduate employees during their first 12 months of employment, ensuring smooth transitions and retention.
