Category Archives: Careers

Career Development, Careers, News

“Connect and collaborate”: Early Career Network launched by Institute of Economic Development

The Institute of Economic Development (IED), the UK’s leading independent professional body representing economic development and regeneration practitioners working for local and regional communities, has launched its Early Career Network: a dedicated platform to enable those in the early stages of their economic development careers to connect and collaborate.

The network’s mission is to create a pool of resources to help members’ progress their careers and build their knowledge of the opportunities available within the economic development industry via networking events, accessible channels of communication, and other activities including talks with experts on economic development.

As well as a dedicated on LinkedIn group, meetings will typically run on a monthly basis and take place online. These meetings will be accessible via a link shared exclusively to members in the network’s WhatsApp group chat, and include:

  • ‘Talks with experts’ – a series of interview-style sessions with speakers from the economic development sector, as suggested by members of the network.
  • Spotlight sessions – where members of the network take time out of the meeting to explain and describe what their day-to-day roles consist of, as well as sharing industry and events information. This will allow for networking and further understanding of the opportunities within the sector.
  • Bi-weekly admin meetings – run by a core group of five volunteer members, these meetings will take place to enable the ongoing running of the network and for members to touch base if they would like to. This group, which will rotate, will also own communications platforms and publish content.

Micaela Benvenuto, an Economic Development Consultant at Mickledore, is one of the volunteer members driving the network.

“We are really excited to launch the Early Career Network, which brings a valuable opportunity to connect with others in the early stages of their economic development career, and already we have 40 members,” she said. “Not only will members gain on-the-ground industry insights from other members, they will be able to expand their professional network which could lead to new business partnerships and/or potential career opportunities. Members can also build their personal brands and professional credibility by being a part of a network affiliated with a well-renowned organisation such as the IED.

“From my perspective, it is helping me to explore different areas of economic development and connect with peers of the sector to understand how we can better partner up to intervene in ways that may produce positive outcomes.”

The network is open to anyone who is a member of the IED and in their early stages of their economic development career or aspiring to join the sector, including students. Those who do not hold an IED membership but are interested in joining the network are encouraged to communicate with admin@ied.co.uk and attend one of the network’s meetings and/or be co-opted into the group for an agreed period of time.

Claire Hill, Economic Growth Officer at West Lindsey Council, said: “Having worked across the private, not-for-profit and public sectors, I have arrived in economic development later than others. The professional networks I have already established are outside of this area of work. The Early Career Network therefore seemed an ideal opportunity to connect with others in a similar position, and further my understanding of the wider work happening in this field.”

“I am excited by the opportunities this network brings, especially in terms of learning from my industry peers and staying up-to-date with the latest developments,” added Martin Owen, Planning/Regeneration Consultant at BE Group.

IED Executive Director Nigel Wilcock commented: “The Early Career Network is a fantastic initiative to unite professionals in the early stages of their career across the economic development sector. It is built very much on the principle of co-creation between members of the network, and we are excited by its potential to inform and inspire the progression of up-and-coming economic development professionals.”

More information about the Early Career Network, and its membership, can be found here.

With nearly 1,400 IED members overall, professionals are drawn from the public sector (local authorities, universities and government departments) and the private sector (consultancies supporting economic development in its widest sense). For higher education the IED offers student membership for full or part-time students working towards a qualification in a relevant discipline but who are not in employment.

Career Development, Careers, Education, News

Graduate Coach to help thousands of UK graduates secure their dream jobs through cut price online course

To help thousands of graduates searching for jobs this summer, Graduate Coach, a UK leading graduate coaching company, has significantly dropped the price of its ‘Turn Your Degree into a Career’ course from £249 to £24.95.

The three-week online course will provide graduates with the skills, knowledge and insights to secure their first graduate job in an increasingly tough and competitive job market.

Graduate Coach highlights that approximately 2 million graduates are seeking jobs, while there are only around 17,500 new graduate roles are available each month. This is a sharp decline from the 25,000 jobs per month five years ago. Additionally, many graduates are ‘underemployed,’ working in unskilled jobs that are completely unrelated to their degrees.

 

Chris Davies, founder and CEO of Graduate Coach says, “The reality of the job market for graduates is stark. There is currently a job famine. The market is not only saturated with new grads, but they are competing with graduates from last year who are working their way out of underemployment into graduate jobs. Unfortunately, this means around 193 graduates are fighting for each graduate role advertised.

He adds, “We are seeing talented graduates face endless rejections and often silence from employers. We want to change this and have significantly reduced the price of our online course to help many more graduates and equip them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to secure their first graduate role.”

 

The course will help graduates understand which career path best suits them, their own skill set and how to prepare for interviews. They will also learn how to prepare a first class CV, write a cover letter that will stand out to employers, and to optimise their job hunt to find the best jobs, then master the interview and land a job.

Graduate Coach has helped thousands of students to secure their dream graduate job:

‘Graduate Coach was excellent in helping me streamline my CV and making sure that I was representing myself correctly and allowed me to discover talents and value that I would not have discovered on my own.’ – Alex, UK graduate.

Sign up to Graduate Coach’s Turn Your Degree into a Career course now, to gain key employability skills and stand out against your competitors in the graduate job market.

Contact: Chris Davies, gethelp@graduatecoach.co.uk, +44 (0)2070149547

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Editor’s Note

Graduate Coach is a UK-based graduate career coaching firm founded by Chris Davies. Since it was set up in 2010, Graduate Coach has helped over 5,000 UK and international graduates secure positions at leading UK companies including Amazon, Google, J.P. Morgan, amongst others. With a focus on practical guidance and skill development, its services include one-to-one career coaching, immersive workshops, and personalised online resources. Additionally, Graduate Coach provides tailored internship opportunities and support services to further enhance graduates’ career prospects.

For more information, please visit https://graduatecoach.co.uk/

or their link tree https://linktr.ee/graduatecoachuk

 

Career Development, Careers, Hospitality

Alternative Career Paths for Former Hotel Managers

Managers working in the hospitality sector understand that in today’s economic climate, the job doesn’t just involve late nights and busy weekends, it’s also about getting more people through the door and balancing the books. With a growing number of hotel managers wanting to take their skills in a new direction, Mike Smith, Director at Stocktake UK discusses the opportunities a stocktaking franchise offers to hospitality professionals seeking an alternative career path.

The ups and downs of hospitality

The last few years have been exceptionally challenging for UK hotels. Brexit led to a shortage of workers, income dried up during the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis has impacted bookings and high inflation has made it far harder to maintain profitability.

Demand for Stocktakers

Faced with higher costs and fewer visitors, it has become increasingly important for hotel owners across the sector to improve inventory management so they can eliminate waste and increase sales margins. This need has led to a growing number of hotels, large and small, seeking the services of professional stocktakers.

Indeed, many now find this an indispensable service, as it provides managers with the means to keep check on their stock levels, make informed purchases and eradicate over and understocking. Essentially, it enables them to fulfil customer demand in the most cost-efficient way.

From Hotel Manager to Stocktaking Franchisee

With the steadily rising demand for stocktaking services, becoming a stocktaking franchisee enables former hotel managers to start their own business in an area that offers both stability and growth while being fully supported by the parent company. Stocktake UK’s franchise programme offers hotel managers an alternative way to utilise their existing skills and experience while remaining in a familiar sector. Potential earnings are promising too, with the average franchisee making around £50K a year and top partners accruing in excess of £125K.

For many hotel managers, the main attraction of a stocktaking franchise is the lifestyle change it offers. Instead of the inconvenience of long days and unsociable hours, franchisees have far greater flexibility when it comes to organising their working days and, indeed, the days they work. This brings the promise of a better work-life balance and more time to spend on what they enjoy.

Getting started as a stocktaking franchisee

For hotel managers considering a stocktaking franchise, joining Stocktake UK’s national network of professional stock auditors means being supported from day one. Franchisees need no previous stocktaking experience, as they receive full training in everything from business management to using specialist stocktaking software. Additionally, all equipment is provided and continuous support, together with regular leads, are provided from the head office.

With over 25 years’ experience, Stocktake UK is a leading provider of professional stocktaking services to hotels and the hospitality industry at large. We have an extensive client portfolio that includes everything from independent clubs and restaurants to regional pub chains and distinguished hotel groups.

For more information, visit Stocktake UK.

Bridgend, Business, Business Investment, Careers

Key promotion at industrial electronic repair specialist

One of the UK’s leading providers of industrial electronic repairs has announced a key promotion within its sales team.

Zach Taylor has been promoted from Account Manager to Regional Sales Manager, taking on the new position in February.

Zach joined the Bridgend-based business, which works with leading manufacturers and businesses globally, in December 2020 as a Commercial Management Trainee while studying for a degree in business.

He quickly progressed to an Account Manager role in south-west England and as the newly appointed Regional Sales Manager, Zach will now be looking after customers in Bath, Bournemouth, Bristol, Dorset, Exeter, Portsmouth, Plymouth, Salisbury, Southampton, Taunton, Torquay and Truro.

In his new role, Zach will meet with new and existing customers in the region, building and maintaining relationships to ensure they receive the best possible solutions and service from the firm.

Zach said: “Since starting at Kontroltek, the company has been very supportive of my progression and growth. I am excited to take on this new role and I am fortunate to visit businesses of all sizes in the south-west, with a variety of needs whether it be repair, supply or on-site engineer visits.”

Cath Demaid, Director of Commercial and HR, said: “Zach is a fantastic addition to our regional sales team. The experience and knowledge he has built since he started with us perfectly places him to provide an excellent level of service and expertise to our customers in the south-west region.”

Outside of work, Zach enjoys playing rugby and is the captain of local club Pencoed RFC, which Kontroltek has sponsored for a decade.

This year’s sponsorship includes an addition designed to enhance the game experience for both the Pencoed RFC senior and current U15s age groups. Kontroltek has invested in a Veo camera, a state-of-the-art technology that promises to transform the way the sport is played and analysed. The Veo camera enables detailed video analysis and performance tracking, offering players and coaches valuable insights to further develop their skills and strategies.

Zach said: “It’s a real privilege to represent both Kontroltek and Pencoed RFC. The Veo camera is a gamechanger for us with regards to how it will help our team improve and develop. Thanks to Kontroltek for their ongoing support of both my professional and sporting endeavours.”

Founded in 2011, Kontroltek specialises in industrial electronic repairs and supply nationwide employing more than 60 staff.

Appointments, Automotive, Business, Cardiff, Careers, Economy & Jobs News, HR, Jobs

Industrial electronic repair firm Kontroltek Ltd welcomes new Director of Commercial and HR

One of the UK’s leading providers of industrial electronic repairs has announced the appointment of Catherine Demaid as its new Director of Commercial and HR.

Kontroltek, being the largest independent firm of its type in the UK, covers the whole of the UK, specialising in Industrial Electronic Repairs, working with all sectors of manufacturing and servicing businesses across the UK and globally.

With her extensive experience and expertise, Cath will play a pivotal role in driving the company’s strategic growth initiatives and fostering a culture of excellence.

Cath brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to her new role, having served in various senior leadership positions in the fields of acquisitions, HR and transformational change.

With a proven track record of developing and implementing effective organisational development and growth strategies, Cath is poised to lead Kontroltek’s plans for major expansion in the UK and Europe. Her experience in driving business growth is set to be instrumental in nurturing talent pipelines and fostering a culture of innovation and advancement within the industrial electronics sector.

Commenting on her appointment, Cath said: “I am thrilled to be part of the Kontroltek team and am committed to leveraging my experience to drive the company’s strategic objectives forward.

“I believe in fostering a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and talent development and engagement, and I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at Kontroltek to achieve our goals.”

Andrew Follant, Managing Director, Kontroltek Ltd, added: “We are delighted to welcome Cath to the Kontroltek family as our Director of Commercial and HR. With her extensive background in strategic change, performance initiatives and organisational development, she will play a pivotal role in driving our company’s growth and success.

“Her passion for excellence and commitment to fostering a positive work culture and impressive talent pipelines align perfectly with Kontroltek’s vision. We look forward to her transformational leadership as we continue to expand and innovate in the industrial electronic repair industry.”

Careers, News, STEM

Edwin James Group Commits to Graduate Investment.

Edwin James Group, a leading engineering services provider, has reaffirmed its commitment to investing in the next generation of talent. After successfully achieving its apprenticeship target in 2023, the company is now expanding its programme to include graduate apprenticeships, further strengthening its workforce and addressing skills shortages in the industry.

In 2021, the company committed to increasing the number of apprentices from 10 per cent to 15 per cent of the workforce in two years. In 2023, apprentices accounted for 16 per cent of the workforce.

The decision to extend the programme to include graduate apprenticeships underscores the company’s dedication to fostering next generation skills. A number of existing colleagues have already taken advantage of the opportunity. The move aligns with the company’s overarching strategy: “learn, grow, and lead,” which emphasises continuous learning and professional development.

Recognising that the engineering landscape is evolving Edwin James Group is also prioritising multiskilling. Through the EJ Academy, a comprehensive training programme spanning various disciplines, the company aims to equip its workforce with the versatility needed to thrive in a dynamic environment.

Kevin Shinnie, regional director, Scotland said: “Reaching our apprenticeship target in 2023 was a significant milestone. Now, we’re poised to build on that success by expanding our programme to include graduate apprenticeships. Our ‘learn, grow, and lead’ strategy reflects our unwavering commitment to creating a future-proof workforce capable of tackling evolving challenges head-on. By investing in our employees’ skills and knowledge, we empower them for the future, ultimately enhancing our ability to serve our customers.”

The company has also strengthened its commitment to working with high schools to attract the engineers of the future. Several events have already been held with high schools in North and South Lanarkshire, offering interview assistance and valuable insights into STEM careers for students ranging from S2 to S4. The organisation intends to extend this programme to additional schools across Scotland.

Edwin James opened its third dedicated academy hub in the summer of 2023 and recently announced the appointment of Geoff Bruce to head up the EJ Academy programme, supporting learning and development across the group.

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Pictured: Keir McAndrew and Naomi Watson

 

About Edwin James Group

Edwin James Group is an engineering services group that operates throughout the UK with offices and service centres in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness, Burton on Trent, Swadlincote, Louth, Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester, Warrington, Peterborough, Daresbury, Tapton, Reading, Mildenhall, Whitehaven and Birmingham.

It offers a complete range of services, including facilities maintenance and infrastructure, renewable energy, process engineering and machine maintenance services, in addition to complex systems integration and digitalisation to support industry 4.0.

Edwin James Group now operates four brands: ACS, Musk Process Services, Parker Technical Services and Peak Technology Solutions.

Career Development, Careers, News, STEM

The OR Society announces charity partnership with In2scienceUK to boost STEM skills amongst young people from disadvantaged backgrounds

In National Careers Week (4th – 9th March), The OR Society, the leading membership organisation for operational researchers, is partnering with the award-winning charity, In2scienceUK[i] to support young people from low income and disadvantaged backgrounds to take part in the innovative In2STEM programme.

In2science was established in 2010 to unlock the potential of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and boost diversity and inclusion in the sector to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) based industries.

The In2STEM programme[ii] provides a once in a lifetime opportunity for young people to collaborate with dedicated volunteer STEM professionals, undertaking cutting-edge research and learning STEM skills in some of Britain’s pioneering centres of STEM education, research and industry.

The programme is for 17-year-olds passionate about STEM and runs from 22 July to 23 August 2024. It offers a blend of online and in-person activities and equips students the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to excel in STEM. The programme is free to join, and the charity provides a bursary, to cover travel and lunch expenses during placements.

The OR Society is partnering with In2scienceUK to sponsor two young people who will have work placements and mentors within operational research at universities. They will also be delivering virtual workshops on operational research for the entire cohort of students participating in the programme at the end of the summer.

Operational research (OR) involves the application of advanced mathematical techniques such as modelling, optimisation, and simulation, with innovative problem-solving approaches, to address complex real-world challenges, and OR professionals are in high demand across many sectors.

However, a recent YouGov survey on behalf of education charity, Teach First[iii] highlighted the UK’s STEM skills shortage is at risk of growing, as more than half of parents (51%) from a lower socio-economic background believe their children are “unlikely” to have a career in science, technology, engineering and maths.

According to In2scienceUK there is an annual shortfall of 40,000 STEM skilled workers with the number of future technical jobs forecast to increase[iv]. With salaries in STEM being 20% higher than other sectors, In2scienceUK say getting more young people from low-income backgrounds into these professions promotes social mobility and fights economic inequality.

 

Chiara Carparelli, Education Manager at The OR Society said: “We are excited to help inspire the next generation of young STEM professionals. The In2STEM programme is helping to address the skills shortage and encourage young people to consider a STEM based career such as OR.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for young people to make informed choices, boost their academic profile and prepare for a successful future in the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“Proficiency in STEM subjects is vital for those aspiring for a career in OR. With technologies like AI and data analytics advancing, job opportunities for OR specialists are expected to surge in the coming years and encouraging young people from all backgrounds into these careers is vital.”

 

To find out more about In2STEM, including how young people can apply visit: https://in2scienceuk.org/our-programmes/in2stem

To explore the career possibilities within OR visit: www.theorsociety.com/get-involved/or-in-education/careers.

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About The OR Society

The OR Society is a member-led organization that supports professional operational researchers across various industries and academia. It serves as a vibrant community of professionals and researchers who collectively shape the future of operational research, data science, and analytics. The organization’s members address complex challenges across many industries, from optimization to modelling and improving systems, including healthcare. Celebrating its 75th anniversary from September 2023 to 2024, The OR Society is a registered charity that contributes to expanding the boundaries of the discipline through publications and events.

The OR Society 12 Edward Street, Birmingham, B1 2RX, UK Main Tel: +44 (0)121 233 9300 Email: sarah.davies@theorsociety.com Website: www.TheORSociety.com

 

[i] https://in2scienceuk.org/about/

[ii] https://in2scienceuk.org/our-programmes/in2stem/

[iii] https://www.teachfirst.org.uk/press-release/uk-stem-skills-shortage

[iv] https://in2scienceuk.org/about/

Appointments, Business, Business News, Careers, Employment, Tax, Wales

GS Verde Group bolsters senior team with appointment of new tax director

GS Verde Group, the award-winning corporate advisory firm, has appointed a new Tax Director, Emma Jones. This strategic move further strengthens the company’s leadership team and solidifies its commitment to providing clients with comprehensive tax advisory services as part of its ambitious plans for 2024.

Emma’s appointment follows a period of significant growth for GS Verde Group, marked by its recent admission to the JP Jenkins share-dealing platform and the appointment of a new non-executive director in January 2024. Her expertise will be instrumental in steering the Group’s tax team under the leadership of Joel Dunning, Head of GS Verde Tax & Accountants.

Emma brings 22 years of experience as a corporate tax adviser. Before joining GS Verde Group, Emma began her career in accountancy before specialising in tax as part of Azets where she held a senior position as Tax Associate Director covering personal and corporate compliance, as well as advisory in employee share schemes, EIS, tax clearance, and tax planning.

“We are thrilled to welcome Emma to GS Verde Group,” said Joel Dunning, Head of GS Verde Tax & Accountants. “Her proven track record and specialist knowledge of the tax landscape will be invaluable as we continue to expand our tax offering and support our clients through complex transactions. Emma will be leading our specialist tax team as we continue to develop and expand it in the coming months.“

Beyond the boost of recruiting top talent to the business, Emma’s appointment as Tax Director signals the next stepping stone in GS Verde Group’s bold ambitions for 2024; a key investment in expertise that empowers their multidiscipline team to tackle increasingly large and complex transactions. This sets the stage for the new tax team which will allow GS Verde Group to capture an even larger share of the market and solidify its position as a leading multidiscipline powerhouse in the M&A landscape.

Regarding her appointment, Emma said “I am excited to join GS Verde Group at this pivotal time of growth.The company’s innovative, multidiscipline approach to deal-making perfectly aligns with my own values, and I look forward to lending my experience to the Group, identifying efficiency opportunities, and developing the team to deliver exceptional tax solutions to our clients.”

Apprenticeships, Careers, Emergency Services, News

Poll statistics steer National Apprenticeship Week towards a more inclusive fire sector

As the nation gears up to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, a recent poll conducted by The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) revealed that 57% of responders believe that there isn’t sufficient awareness of the diverse opportunities available across fire-related apprenticeships. Another survey uncovered that 45% of respondents expressed that the diverse job roles across the fire sector aren’t adequately represented in the current apprenticeship offering – highlighting a crucial need for increased visibility and understanding of the various paths available across the sector.

The IFE has announced its commitment to driving further vocational routes into the fire sector, recognising how the modern apprenticeship path is crucial in shaping the future of training within fire and other industries across the built environment. As the UK come together to celebrate the apprenticeship pathway, these results uncover the importance of developing apprenticeship programs that comprehensively showcase the breadth of careers available within the fire sector.

In a stride toward further pathways into the fire sector, candidates that successfully complete their end-point assessment for the Operational Firefighter course at the Fire Service College in Moreton-In-Marsh, can apply to achieve Technician grade membership at the IFE. This recognises the two years of rigorous practical and theory studies that map to the competencies required.

Commenting on the need for further avenues in fire, IFE CEO, Steve Hamm added: “The modern apprenticeship pathway not only ensures a more dynamic and inclusive workforce, but actively encourages individuals from different backgrounds and experiences to contribute to the fire sector.

“As a professional body, it’s paramount that we advocate for diversity and support candidates in their professional development. Our vision of a fire sector enriched by a wide range of experiences and socio-economic backgrounds continues to drive our activity.”

To further support those starting out in a career in fire, the IFE last year announced it had made its Student membership offering free. Both IFE exam candidates and those individuals in fire-related studies are now entitled to Student membership, providing access to learning and knowledge resources and an international network of contacts to support their career. Further information about Student membership is available on the IFE website https://www.ife.org.uk/Membership.

During National Apprenticeship Week, the IFE will raise awareness about diverse opportunities, constant learning and engage in conversations to address existing perceptions about apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships, Careers, News

Operational Research Specialist, The OR Society highlights Operational Research Specialist apprenticeship opportunities

To mark National Apprenticeship Week (5-11 February)[i] The OR Society, the leading membership organisation for operational researchers, is highlighting a Level 7 apprenticeship for an Operational Research Specialist[ii] as a route into a varied and diverse career after university or to facilitate a career change for someone currently employed.

Operational Research involves the application of advanced mathematical techniques such as modelling, optimisation, and simulation, coupled with innovative problem-solving approaches, to address complex real-world challenges.  The OR Society’s 24-month apprenticeship is equivalent to a Master’s degree and enables apprentices to develop skills to become an Operational Research Specialists.

 

An Operational Research Specialist could work in organisations of all sizes and in diverse sectors – from government and other public sector bodies to engineering, banking, healthcare, telecommunications, defence, management consulting, transport and education.  For employers, offering the Operational Research Specialist apprenticeship enables them to develop the skills they need in-house by taking on a new graduate as well as offer career progression to existing employees.

 

Employers can use their apprenticeship levy funding to pay for the training, or smaller firms who don’t pay the levy can apply for an apprenticeship levy donation to help fund the apprenticeship and benefit from up to 95% government funding.

Typical roles after completing the apprenticeship include analytics specialist, decision support analyst, management scientist, modeller and operational analyst, consultant or researcher.

 

Seb Hargreaves, Executive Director of The OR Society said, “In National Apprenticeship Week we hope to inspire the next generation of operational researchers and analysts and raise awareness of the opportunity to take the apprenticeship route into a rewarding career.

“Operational Research is a rapidly growing field and people with OR skills are very much in demand. An Operational Research Specialist apprenticeship can enable a graduate who may not have trained in this subject to develop the skills and on-the-job training and experience to work in a variety of operational research roles.

“For organisations, a qualified Operational Research Specialist can help deliver a wide range of performance improvements such as reducing costs, increasing revenue, saving lives through improvements in healthcare, raising levels of customer service or designing public policy. We encourage firms to consider the apprenticeship as a fantastic way to develop the specific skills they need and improve staff retention.”

 

For more information about The OR Society visit: www.theorsociety.com.

[i] https://nationalapprenticeshipweek.co.uk/

[ii] https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/operational-research-specialist-v1-0