Plum new role for recruitment expert Susie

Recruitment expert Susie Ankrett has a plum new role - as Chair of Solihull MBC 's Supported Internship Employment Forum.

Susie, co-founder of Midland-based Plum Personnel, said she was looking to bring her wealth of professional skills and knowledge to the role after over 20 years in the recruitment sector.

Set up earlier this year, the Forum consists of a cross section of local representatives and stakeholders including the Careers Hub and Chamber members Solihull and Stratford College and University Centre and the Colebridge Trust.

The programme gives wraparound support for 16-24-year olds who hold an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) and provides a pathway towards meaningful paid employment.

The supported internships are structured 12-month study programmes especially designed for those with special educational needs and disabilities.

Susie (pictured) said: “It 's an absolute privilege to be invited to be Chair of the Forum. I cannot lie - there 's a lot to understand and it 's been a steep learning curve. There is much work to be done and I 'm on a mission to help join up the dots between the various stakeholders and to connect people and organisations that can support and benefit from the scheme. ”

Susie firmly believes the Supported Internship Scheme not only provides opportunities to help create the route to employment for individuals - it also offers employers access to a previously untapped pool of talent for employers.

The one-year internship is unpaid. The aim is for individuals to gain a rich learning experience in the workplace following a personalised study programme that can include study to gain qualifications.

Combined with the support of a Work Coach, individuals can gain the necessary skills and knowledge required so that they can be ready for paid employment after 12-months.

Susie said: “The scheme gives individuals a much needed pathway to employment and above all a real sense of worth and purpose. With around 7 out of 10 employers having a perennial 'recruitment headache ' it also gives employers access to local people - with a wealth of potential, untapped skills and talents. ”

For more details of the Supported Internship Programme contact the Council 's Employment and Skills Team on 0121-704-6869.