London First

We are working with a number of our members on projects which aim to tackle the HR impacts of the recession by providing competitive and targeted support and training services for employers. London First members also offer free services to people who have been made redundant, are under threat of redundancy or are underemployed, plus graduates about to enter the job market. Our aim is to build awareness amongst the business community of the services that London’s universities and colleges deliver for up-skilling and re-skilling the capital’s workforce, in readiness for the upturn.

Higher education services

Upturn - supporting employers and employees in financial services 

This short term project targets the financial services industry.  It aims to support businesses and individuals affected by the recession by joining up and promoting relevant existing activity as well as offering free workshops.  Employers can design bespoke training and development packages for their employees who have been impacted by the recession, with the support of one of the Upturn skills specialists.  This initiative is led by London Met University, partnered by London First, City of London Corporation and the City Fringe boroughs. To arrange a meeting with a specialist to discuss your needs please email info@upturnonline.co.uk and for more information please visit www.upturnonline.co.uk or see Upturn leaflet.  

Build-Up - targeting professionals in the built environment sector

The Build-Up programme is aimed at businesses in London’s built environment sector, and professionals in related roles who are unemployed or are significantly under-employed in their chosen field.  University of Westminster are partnering with London First, RIBA and RICS on this programme. Build-Up programme details  or visit  www.build-up.org.uk


DIUS - Graduate Talent Pool

Aware that this will be one of the most challenging years in a decade or more for graduates entering the job market, the DIUS talent pool website will encourage large employers and SME’s to provide paid or unpaid internships to graduates. The talent pool website acts as a matching service, matching employer vacancies with available graduates.  Although its focus is on fresh university graduates, FE college graduates and previous year graduates are not excluded.

DIUS is supported by the CIPD and Association of Graduate Recruiters.  Marks & Spencer, Microsoft and Network Rail are already on board, plus several public sector bodies such as the DIUS, which aims to take on 100 graduate interns themselves.
 
The scheme offers a source of highly skilled graduates which can be used flexibly to undertake project or general work on an internship basis or for a period of time agreed between employer and graduate (the employment contract is between them).  DIUS is not prescriptive in how the scheme should operate. For more details, follow the links below:

http://graduatetalentpool.dius.gov.uk
Graduate Talent Pool brochure

With expertise in the Creative Industries, Roehampton University is well-placed to support and enhance your staff training and development programmes, through the new Creative Futures @ Roehampton initiative.  Aimed at the creative industries and people in any sector who undertake creative roles, this comprehensive package of free short courses and professional development training has been launched in response to the current economic climate, to help London’s workforce prepare for the upturn.  The courses and support on offer are geared towards businesses  looking to develop in-house talent and skills, people at threat of or recently redundant, and recent graduates.  

Roehampton’s dedicated trainers can provide on-site support for your business, providing you have the appropriate software and facilities. Otherwise courses will be held at the University campus.

The course portfolio includes the following: Final Cut Pro (introductory and intermediate levels) • presenting to camera for TV and the internet • blogging, twittering and social networking • Photoshop • management and leadership skills for business • assertiveness training and confidence building • and CV writing and writing cover letters.

For a full list of courses please visit the website - www.roehampton.ac.uk/creativefutures

Further education services

Job Skills – helping people who live or work in South London

If you are looking for work and want to enhance your skills then Job Skills can help.  This free service is available for people currently not working and keen to get into employment. If you are a local employer, Job Skills can work with you to help recruit and train a skilled workforce. Job Skills is an initiative by Croydon College, working with partners including Lewisham College and Kingston College  www.jobskillssouthlondon.com

ReStart - helping employers and staff in East London

Delivering a range of free training and support services to help employers and their staff respond swiftly and effectively to the major challenges posed by redundancy.  ReStart services are flexible and highly responsive, helping individuals re-enter the labour market quickly.  This initiative is led by Tower Hamlets College, with partners including Newham College and Hackney College. Contact tania.tiipana@tower.ac.uk or call 020 7001 2761.  Further details

Other useful links

Internships survey - The Mayor is collating information from London businesses to ensure the necessary tools are in place to support and increase internship programmes, to help tackle unemployment

Mayor's Jobs for London website, aimed at graduates. See also the press release.

From Recession to Recovery - Universities UK guide to what London universities are doing to help tackle the recession