FSB 30 30

FSB bridging the gap between students and employers, starting at Longfield Academy

The FSB and Longfield Academy are hosting a speed networking and coaching session on 3 December, in order to help bridge the gap between education and businesses.

Lynne Howe, Director, Creating Careers, says: “The Skills 30:30 on 3 December will be a practical way close the gap between local employers and potential employees. Some employers don’t believe young people have the skills to step into a job – this Skills 30:30 event will give business owners the chance to meet aspiring young students face-to-face. Perhaps they are looking for apprentices, or have a gap in their business that could fit a trainee or a Saturday job.”

Students will take part in coaching workshops focusing on soft skills such as interview technique, and communications and presentation skills. Meanwhile, business owners will hear from the FSB on lobbying work, as well as from Otford media company Ecce Media on the benefits of taking on an apprentice. Following the presentations, businesses and students will speed network, putting into practice the skills they have learnt.

Anne Davis, Principal of Longfield Academy, says: “Longfield Academy is delighted to host this exciting new event in collaboration with FSB and Crea8ing Careers. This will see a host of small local businesses visit us in order to show our post-16 students, who are not intending to go to University, the sorts of industries and job opportunities that exist locally. This will be a great chance for students to fact-find, network and be inspired.”

Paul Andrews, FSB Policy Lead for Skills and Education says: “Our members tell us that they see a skills gap, and we also know that employers should be engaged in the education system. It is widely recognised that business engagement has positive employment outcomes for young people. That’s why we are encouraging local businesses to take on work experience, become school governors, and work with schools and colleges to inform them of what skills are needed for the modern workplace. The Skills 30:30 event will be a great opportunity for local businesses to actively engage with the next generation. I heartily recommend local businesses sign up!”

Invitation to Kent businesses looking to grow

Meet your potential workforce at FSB Skills 30:30

3 December 2015
11am to 3pm
Longfield Academy, Main Rd, Longfield, Kent DA3 7PH

To book, Click Here call 01622 688 134 or email [email protected]

Key statistics

At the start of 2015 there were an estimated 5.4 million businesses in the UK which employed 25.9 million people, and had a combined turnover of more than £3,700 billion (BIS)
SMEs make up 99.3% of all businesses in the UK, generating £1.2 trillion in turnover and accounting for 48% of private sector employment. (BIS)
There are 63,715 SMEs in Kent and Medway (NOMIS WEB)
In the latest FSB Small Business Index, while businesses were showing steady growth intentions, 36% said that skills were a barrier to growth.