Nova Fairbank our Public Affairs Manager offers some advice
“Ask employers about the key challenges facing their business and many will answer ‘attracting and retaining a skilled workforce’. There are several sectors in Norfolk including construction, engineering, manufacturing and the tech sector that are facing this particular challenge. Many sectors are also faced with an aging workforce – this can only be rectified with more young people being recruited into those sectors.
“When young people are planning their futures they need to consider many aspects and keep their options open. Students selecting their options for GCSEs should try to include the STEM subjects which will give them access to the broadest range of future job opportunities. For those students moving into further education, they should consider the benefits of apprenticeships, as well as university degrees. An apprenticeship will give them access to both qualifications, but will allow them to earn whilst they learn. A qualification and experience of work is very attractive to employers.
“Employers consider many attributes when looking to recruit a young person – not just the qualifications they have gained at school or college/university. They are looking for great ‘soft skills’ such as: good communication; the ability to be part of a team; and all-round computer skills etc. But the greatest asset that every employer looks for is ‘the right attitude’. Many employers are willing to train their young people, but this is only possible if that person has the right attitude – if they can approach employment with a positive, can-do attitude, then great things can be achieved.”
