Event connected employers and the workforce of the future

In partnership with Perth and Kinross Council (PKC) Skills and Employability Initiatives Team and DWP, UHI Perth hosted a successful Community Jobs Fayre and Regional Employer Event on Tuesday 30 May.

It served to connect employers, the workforce of the future, including students and the wider community.

Over 30 employers presented job opportunities, along with a host of guest speakers including Alison Edgar MBE, leading author and motivational speaker; and Mike Benson, Director of the Crannog Centre. Fireside sessions designed to stimulate discussions were hosted by John Ferguson, Tay Cities Clean Growth and the Regional Hospitality Forum showcasing the power of partnerships.

Peachy Creative Media held an informative workshop on the ‘Power of Social Media’, while all participants and visitors were impressed by a student showcase which allowed the students to demonstrate what they learn in their courses and do live demos.

In her opening remarks, Dr Margaret Cook, UHI Perth Principal and Chief Executive explained that working in partnership with employers would help grow our regional economy. Thomas Glen, Chief Executive at Perth & Kinross Council added that there was a strong ambition to enhance how young people are educated and enjoy an incredible career living and working in Perth and Kinross, along with a real drive to support children living in poverty.

Alison Edgar MBE shared her experiences working with businesses and how success can lie with employees treating their employer’s business as their own, describing this as ‘Intrapreneurship’. She reminded the full-capacity audience that time is our most valuable commodity and that we should embrace the rate of change.

Mike Benson shared his journey working with UHI Perth’s fourth year Visual Communications and Design student Ewan Broomfield and how there was mutual benefits for both the organisation and young person to working together on the Crannog Centre rebrand after the catastrophic fire.

Gareth McKenna, Head of Business Development said: “This was a fantastic event which provided students, businesses, and the public with a strong platform for networking, knowledge sharing, employment opportunities and meaningful collaboration among participants. The keynote speakers were hugely insightful and our academic showcase events highlighted the work of our student and academic departments. Business leaders were selfless with their knowledge, wisdom, and insights, providing inspiration to all who attended.

“I am truly grateful to everyone who supported the organisation of the event, our partners (PKC and DWP) all the employers and over 450 people who visited the event. We were also made aware that several people found immediate employment, with many employers advertising live vacancies and immediate interviews on-site. Many others have submitted applications, while others have interviews lined up - testament to the success of the event.”