Chamber partners with Birmingham City University to promote graduate recruitment service
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce has partnered with Birmingham City University to help raise awareness of Higher Level Skills Match Plus (HLSM Plus) - a fully funded graduate recruitment service designed to support Birmingham-based businesses in attracting and retaining higher-level talent.
HLSM Plus is an account-managed recruitment support programme that connects employers with talented graduates and final-year students from across Birmingham’s universities.
Delivered by Birmingham City University in partnership with the University of Birmingham, Aston University and University College Birmingham, the initiative gives organisations streamlined access to a large and diverse local talent pool.
Through the service, employers benefit from end-to-end recruitment support, including vacancy promotion, candidate shortlisting, guidance on inclusive recruitment practices, and retention and progression support for new hires.
Each participating organisation is supported by a dedicated account manager, with wrap-around support available through to March 2026, all at no cost to the employer.
This partnership aligns with the Chambers’ ongoing commitment to supporting regional business growth, strengthening local talent pipelines, and helping employers connect with skilled graduates ready to contribute to business success.
Businesses interested in learning more about HLSM Plus and how to get involved can find further details and sign-up information here.
Robyn Fisher-Payne, BCU acting head of skills & community projects, said: “This pilot offers employers a rare chance to get involved in a pilot project supported by Birmingham City Council and the Department for Work and Pensions to shape the future of graduate recruitment innovation.
“With the window closing soon, we’d strongly encourage organisations to take advantage of the opportunity while it’s still available.
“So far, we’ve supported over 350 unemployed and underemployed graduates to build in-demand skills and gain the confidence they need to successfully transition into the labour market.”
GBCC acting deputy CEO Raj Kandola said: “In Q4 2025 more than two thirds of employers in Greater Birmingham reported having faced recruitment challenges.
“Ensuring local firms have access to skilled talent remains fundamentally important to unlocking productivity and economic growth in the city-region.
“We’re pleased to be working with Birmingham City University to highlight Higher Level Skills Match Plus and strengthen links between local employers and graduate talent across the region.
“This programme offers businesses a key new route to engage with the graduate pipeline and access recruitment support, making it easier for employers to connect with the talent they need.”
