Join Aston Business School for an interactive Âbreakfast brainstorm event to discuss the skills that SMEs are currently lacking in their workforce and/or struggling to recruit for.
There is a growing gap, locally and across the UK, between the skills businesses need and the skills job applicants have.
A new project called Higher Level Skills Match (HLSM)* has been set up to support SMEs in accessing the talent and skills they need, but we want to hear from you to find out what it is you want and need to grow your business.
Are there skills/roles you struggle to recruit, or areas that your current staff struggle with?
Come along and tell us what you want and need.
Fresh perspective
The HLSM team will be on hand to answer questions about whatÂs currently available, and we will work together as a group to brainstorm ideas about how we can address other potential problem areas.
Benefits of attending:
- Gain a project overview
- Meet project staff & find out how the HLSM service can be accessed
- The opportunity to discuss SME skills shortages in a group environment
- Look at ways this could be addressed
Agenda
7.30am  Welcome breakfast and networking
8.00am  Interactive Skills Shortage Exercise
8.15am  Overview of Skills Gap and HLSM project
8.30am  Skills needs discussion  themes and potential solutions
8.45am  Networking
9.30am  Close
If you're an SME please sign up HERE or share the event with your SME contacts. For
more information about the HLSM Project see the HLSM webpage or email hlsm@aston.ac.uk
*Higher Level Skills Match (HLSM) has been created with and for businesses to support SME growth and employability within the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) Area. Birmingham City University, Aston University and Newman University have partnered to create HLSM, with the support of Cannock Chase, Lichfield and Tamworth local authorities. This project is part funded by the European Social Fund (ESF). For more information visit www.aston.ac.uk/hlsm
