This City & Guilds Foundation funded pilot is designed to de-risk recruitment, helping London’s SMEs to scale by opening doors for the next generation of diverse young talent from disadvantaged backgrounds. We are committed to ensuring every small business in the capital has the support it needs to become a champion for social mobility.
The Programme
This programme bridges the divide between London’s untapped talent and its most vibrant small businesses. This programme will enable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to provide routes to work for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, by creating pathways for early-career talent that do not rely on formal qualifications alone, investing in inclusive recruitment and workplace practices, recognising the value of potential, and greater collaboration between big and small employers to encourage the transfer of know-how and expertise.
Objectives
To enable SMEs to confidently recruit and support young people who are disengaged from the labour market.
To equip SMEs with tools, knowledge and confidence to be a more inclusive recruitment employer.
The project aims to create 25 opportunities for young Londoners by working with businesses that are prepared to welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Outcomes
25 SMEs open to offering quality entry-level roles for young people.
Improved confidence among SME Employers in recruitment practices.
Small/Medium Businesses
Many SMEs struggle with the cost, complexity, and risk of hiring young people.
Sign up for this fully funded programme and gain the confidence to make your next hire your best hire, focussing on diverse talent pools often overlooked by larger firms.
Confused by new legislation? Want to hire but don’t know how? Can’t find good people? If these issues resonate with you join our new fully funded programme Pathways to Potential and access templates, professional guidance, and 1-to-1 mentorship to navigate recruitment and onboarding from day one.
Attract highly motivated, work-ready young people eager for a chance to prove their potential and commitment.
Sign up here to find out more:
Key Benefits
What’s in it for your business?
Free up your time and increase capacity by bringing in the right talent to support day-to-day operations and key projects
Hiring for the first time? Get simple, practical tools and templates to help you hire with confidence and avoid costly mistakes
Access motivated, high-potential talent you won’t typically find through job boards
Benefit from 1-to-1 business mentorship to help you make better decisions and focus on what will drive growth
Save time and reduce costs with ready-to-use recruitment, legal, and onboarding templates
Improve business performance - mentored SMEs report 18% higher profits
Make a positive impact by creating opportunities for young people and supporting social mobility
Key Considerations
Commitment to time: Allocate 2-4 hours per month for programme tasks and mentoring during the active phase.
Openness to guidance: Be receptive to the mentor's strategic advice, especially regarding recruitment processes and onboarding best practices.
Resource application: To ensure a structured, positive experience.
Opportunity: Be more confident to be able to offer a defined, quality work placement.
Feedback: Provide constructive feedback on the mentor, the resources, and if placed, the young person's placement experience.
Ready to grow your team and unlock your business potential? Sign up today and get access to tools, and mentorship designed for SMEs like yours.