The Transformation West Midlands project is a partnership between three West Midlands based universities: the University of Birmingham, Newman University and University College Birmingham, funded by the Office for Students.
The project is focused on improving the job outcomes of local students/graduates who seek work in their home region, particularly those from under-represented backgrounds: first generation into higher education, black and minority ethnic groups and student/graduates with disabilities.
The ‘Get Hired!’ event is one example where employers engaged with local graduates. They offer their feedback in the video below:
View transcript of Get Hired video. View audio described version of Get Hired video.
Why the focus on local, West Midlands graduates?
Destination of Leavers from Higher Education statistics reveal that graduates who remain in their home region, by choice or circumstance, are less likely to find graduate jobs than their more socially mobile peers. But local graduates should not be disadvantaged.
In the West Midlands, the West Midlands Combined Authority’s economic strategic plan highlights that high wage/high skilled job opportunities are increasing in key growth sectors. The Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) and Citi-Redi communicate that organisations, both large and small seek to diversity their workforce to innovate, remain competitive and employ local people that represents the region where they reside, to improve their ‘stickiness to the region’.
But despite having five universities in the Birmingham area alone to tap into diverse talent, skills gaps remain. The general workplace continues to lack inclusiveness and diversity in a number of sectors.
See below how we as a project, by working in collaboration with key organisations and agencies in the West Midlands are looking to tackle the imbalance that exists.
Contact the Transformation West Midlands Project
Get in touch with the Transformation West Midlands Project Manager for more information today.
Background information to the Office for Students Challenge Fund
Further information regarding the Office for Students Challenge Fund, the reasoning behind the fund and the 15 institutions chosen, can be found on the Office for Students: No place like home press release.