Birmingham City University (BCU), Aston University, University College Birmingham (UCB), and the University of Birmingham have launched a fully funded scheme aimed at improving access to high-skilled employment opportunities within the city’s enterprise zone.
The HLSM Plus (Higher Level Skills Match Plus) programme, funded by the Birmingham Enterprise Zone, will work with companies operating from strategic sites across the city to address the ever-increasing demand for higher level skills in the workforce.
The scheme, which is open to all past students regardless of graduation date, will follow on the success of the previous (HLSM) and Graduate Re-Tune (GR) programmes, which worked with over 700 local SMEs, placing 892 unemployed graduates into positive outcomes.
Harris Beider, Pro Vice Chancellor Engagement, Enterprise and Innovation at Birmingham City University, said:
“If we want to continue supporting the growth of Birmingham, the city needs to remain accessible to the 38,000 graduates and final year students looking to join the workforce every year. The HLSM Plus programme ensures that local businesses are first in line to benefit from this talent pool.”
Key regional stakeholders that have joined the project board including West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC), Birmingham Metropolitan College, London School of Science and Technology Aston and Solihull College and University Centre.
Councillor Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy & Skill at Birmingham City Council said
"Birmingham is a city that draws strength and vibrancy from its rich and diverse population, and this diversity is a source of pride for us. Our objective is to ensure that this diversity is reflected not only in our cultural and social spheres but also deeply ingrained within our workforce and business sectors.”
Rosa Wells, FE Principal at University College Birmingham said
"Addressing graduate unemployment requires a unified effort. By combining the resources and expertise of multiple universities, we can offer a more integrated support system for our graduates. This collaborative approach enables us to align educational outcomes more closely with the needs of employers, ensuring a smoother and more effective transition from academia to the professional world."
Angie Robinson, Head of Student & Employer Engagement at Aston University said
"Navigating the complexities of multiple universities can be challenging for employers, often requiring substantial resources. Our objective with the HLSM Plus service is to enhance the employer experience by providing a single, efficient point of contact, thereby facilitating more effective and seamless access to a diverse and talented graduate workforce."
David Evans, Assistant Director, Research Partnerships & Impact at the University of Birmingham said
"HLSM Plus stands as a testament to our commitment to bridging the skills gap and driving economic development. By providing businesses with streamlined access to a diverse talent pool, we are creating a powerful synergy that supports both immediate business needs and long-term economic resilience."
HLSM Plus is open to any business operating in Birmingham’s Enterprise Zone.
To access free support please find more information here: https://bcuadvantage.co.uk/grow/hlsm-plus/