News and events
£500k boost to North West employment
Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester and Corridor Manchester have won £500,000 funding from the Economic Challenge Investment Fund - to deliver five initiatives to help tackle North West unemployment and boost the skill levels of the region's workforce, including the communities closest to the University campus.
Dr Michael Hartmann (right), chief external officer at Manchester Business School said:
"Between May 2008 and 2009 the number of people in Greater Manchester claiming Job Seekers Allowance has risen by 80.7 per cent. Against this backdrop it is essential that The University plays an active role in keeping the North West's economy buoyant.
"The funding will support five programmes that will give those looking to re-train, up-skill, secure a new job, establish a portfolio career - or even start their own business - the opportunity to boost their careers. North West businesses will also benefit from access to a pool of highly skilled employees."
The Economic Challenge Investment Fund initiatives are:
- High Flyers Programme
Sixty scholarships are available to outstanding recent graduates, looking to kick-start their careers, who will have the opportunity to attend this four-week intensive mini-MBA programme, which launches in September 2009. Students will focus on leadership, team work, career planning and will have access to MBS' large network of corporate partners. Businesses in the region will benefit from a pool of highly talented and motivated graduates who have combined the specialised skills from their degree with business know-how, delivered by experts at the Business School.
- Enterprise Skills Training
The Manchester Enterprise Centre (MEC) has secured funding to develop its non-accredited and accredited enterprise skills programmes. Open to students and recent graduates, the Centre will offer:- a series of non-accredited intensive Master Classes and mentoring for 750 students starting this summer
- 15 Master of Enterprise Studentships for 2009/10
- 20 Post-graduate Diploma in Enterprise Management Studentships for 2009/10
- a series of non-accredited intensive Master Classes and mentoring for 750 students starting this summer
The programmes build on MEC's strong track record in enhancing employability for students in the region; MEC Director, Lynn Sheppard comments:
"Past experience shows that 90% of our students on the postgraduate diploma gain employment or start a business within two months of completing the course."
- Looking at Future Options Workshop
This three-day workshop, taking place later this year, is aimed at those who are looking to secure a new job or start up a new business venture. Drawing on the expertise of Manchester Business School's Incubator, participants will learn how to build on their experience and skill base in order to pursue new career and business opportunities. The strong practical focus of the small workshops - limited to 25 places per session - will enable delegates to apply latest business thinking to progress their careers.
- Manchester First
The University of Manchester's Careers Service has designed a programme to help employers, particularly SMEs and third-sector organisations, capitalise on graduate talent. It will raise awareness among final year students and recent graduates about City Region opportunities - ensuring that talent stays in the North West. The funding will also support Manchester First networking events which will bring together employers/business intermediaries with unemployed new graduates. The first event will be held later this month with the online resources to follow in August 2009.
- Pathfinder Programme
Corridor Manchester will work with private training company A4e to help 250 people living in Hulme, Moss Side, Ardwick, Longsight and Rusholme develop essential skills and confidence to help them into work. The programme will begin later this month with individual outreach workers supported by centres in Hulme and Ardwick.
If you are interested in getting involved with Manchester First please contact Tammy Goldfeld at tammy.goldfeld@manchester.ac.uk
For The Pathfinder Programme please contact Steve Grant at steven.e.grant@manchester.ac.uk.
For the other initiatives contact Tara Monkman at tara.monkman@mbs.ac.uk
For further information, please contact:
Kate Jeffery
0161 275 7090
kate.jeffery@mbs.ac.uk
