Developing Future Skills

This award recognises businesses that have done the most to promote opportunities in their sector and build the skills of the workforce of the future. 

Judges are seeking a business that is working with schools and/or further education colleges to raise aspirations and provides opportunities for young people to undertake work experience, placements and internships.   A business who invests in apprentices giving them the skills to develop a career.  This will include evidence of how you are helping to inform, shape and prepare the next generation to become the skilled workforce of the future.

In shortlisting, judges will consider the evidence provided for the following:

  • How a business has raised aspirations and ambition by promoting career opportunities in their sector, one which is committed to equipping a future workforce with the necessary skills and can demonstrate partnership working with educational bodies i.e. local schools and colleges.

  • Support young people to develop and adapt to changing needs, helping build resilience and confidence

  • Provides valuable insights into the world of work and opportunities to better understand the expectations of and rewards and benefits of work.

  • Evidence of what those experiences have provided, future job placements, testimonials

  • Innovation and creativity

  • Social value e.g. Apprenticeships (created/sustained), supporting young people into work, use of local suppliers, use of local skills/labour, bringing other businesses into the supply chain, community engagement/involvement

  • Commitment to promoting and supporting employees from under-represented and minority backgrounds.

  • Reasons why the business is passionate about the future workforce and what makes the business stand out from the crowd.