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North East businesses’ chance to spot future talent

The region’s businesspeople are being called upon to lend their knowledge and experience to students at the University of Sunderland, to ready the incoming workforce and spot future talent.

The Professional Mentoring Scheme is in its third year and matches business leaders with students with relevant career ambitions and interests.

Through one-on-one interaction, the businessperson helps the student to develop work skills.

Andrew Street, one of the Employer Engagement team at the University of Sunderland, said: “It’s not a huge time commitment from the business as the scheme is divided into three, one-hour sessions, spread across the course of a year.

“There’s quite a few big names already involved, including Barlcays, Arriva and Sunderland Council - but we would love SMEs to get involved too.”

The sessions are tailored to each student and the focus can range from career direction to industry specifics.

So far students have accompanied businesspeople at meetings and networking events, including trips to the North East Chamber of Commerce events.

Andrew added: “We know that a lot of employers are calling for better work-ready skills in students, and this is a great way to get to the heart of that.

“For the employer, it gives them an opportunity to expand their own skills, working with young people and also a chance to reflect on their own work and achievements. It’s also a great opportunity to spot talent they might want to employ in the future.”

For professional interested in becoming involved with the project can find more information here.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .