Student Skills

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

Paul Andrews and Jobsinkent in conjunction with The FSB and Longfield Academy are hosting a speed networking and coaching session on 21st September , in order to help bridge the gap between education and businesses.

Paul Andrews CEO of Jobsinkent said “The Skills 30:30 on 21st September will be a practical way to 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 an apprentices, or have a gap in their business that could fit a trainee or a Saturday job or even just some work experience.”

Students will take part in coaching workshops focusing on soft skills and learning how to manage personal finances with workshops provided by Domeg Ltd . Meanwhile, business owners will hear from the FSB on lobbying work, as well as from Kent County Council on the benefits of taking on an apprentice plus details of their new Guild initiative. Following the presentations, businesses and students will speed network, putting into practice the skills they have learnt.

The”The opportunities beyond Post 16 are wide and varied. Longfield Academy is delighted to be hosting this event again to show our students the alternatives to university. The students will be able to meet and engage with a host of businesses and take part in activities to enhance their employability skills and interact with the business world. Once again, we are happy to embed and further develop our links with FSB to support the students at Longfield. Alex O’Donnell, Principal.

The FSB 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

21st September 2016
09:30am to 1:30pm
Longfield Academy, Main Rd, Longfield, Kent DA3 7PH

A free lunch will be provided by the students for business attendees

To book your free place CLICK HERE call 01622 688 134 or email [email protected]

Key statistics

At the start of 2016 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.