President coaches pupils on their value in labour market

With UK employers facing the worst labour shortage since 1997 and the fastest drop in staff availability ever, Solihull Chamber president and general manager of Touchwood, Tony Elvin, met with 250 Year 11 students from Tudor Grange School this week to let them know just how in-demand they are within the UK labour market.

"After a challenging two years, many students have lost confidence in themselves, in their futures and their place in the world," said Tony, "but the truth is, the world really is their oyster right now and we can 't wait to welcome them."

Tony drew on his experience as a successful business leader to share the story of his own career path. He explained to the students how he managed to recover from leaving school with less than average qualifications, headed down entirely the wrong career path for his skill set and the impact this had on his confidence as a young person starting to make their way in the world.

Tony went on to share his own strategy for personal success, his top tips for securing the job or apprenticeship you want and how to never work a day in your life by doing something you love.

This activity was part of the Solihull Chamber 's pledge to provide Work Inspiration for young people within the region.

Tony explained: "Research has shown that 86 per cent of young people are less likely to be NEET (Not Employed in Education, Employment or Training) and earn 18 per cent more than their peers after 4 or more encounters with employers. This information provides local businesses with a unique opportunity to make a real difference to the young people in our region. I have been overwhelmed so far by the reaction from our members to support this initiative and we look forward to sharing our members successes over the coming weeks and months."

In the past month, Touchwood have also hosted a Trade Fair competition in association with the Young Enterprise Organisation and VP Susie Ankrett of Plum Personnel has been working with Solihull College to advise on the latest employment laws and developments in the labour market.

Current opportunities for Solihull Chamber businesses include:

• Hosting either a half day am or pm or a full day virtual or face to face work experience opportunity. Dates can be discussed once we link the employer up with the school but it will be sometime in June/July before the schools break up.
• Looking for Enterprise Advisers? Further info here
• Looking for businesses / business people to support mock interviews.

If you would like further information, feel free to check out the Careers Hub website: https://www.solihullforsuccess.com/Careers-Hub or contact the Solihull Careers Hub team at [email protected]

Alternatively, contact Hannah Lardner (Employment and Skills Project officer & Enterprise coordinator) at [email protected] or call 07769243658.