A NEW scheme has been launched by Malvern Hills District Council in a bid to support business growth in the town.
The Graduate Grant project was set up by MHDC, and is being run in partnership with the University of Worcester and Graduate Advantage, to combat the higher level skills shortage in the district.
It will allow businesses in the area to claim up to £3,000 towards the costs of recruiting a placement student from the university’s Business School or hiring an intern through Graduate Advantage.
Coun Rebecca Massey, portfolio holder for economic development at the district council, said: “Businesses repeatedly report issues with finding and retaining the graduated that are essential to growth and succession planning.
“The barriers are complex and we don’t expect to fix them all in one go.
“Our priority is to retain young people in the area and give them the skills to access the fantastic career opportunities available locally.
“However the Malvern Hills is home to some of the most innovative technology companies in the UK and they are talent hunting in a globally competitive and highly mobile graduate labour market.”
The aim of the scheme is to help local businesses recruit and retain graduates with the skills companies need to help them grow.
Tim Maxfield, director of business development at the University of Worcester Business School, added: “Worcester Business School is committed to playing its part in the economic development of Worcestershire and this initiative with Malvern Hills District Council is timely and designed to carry impact.
“Our students and graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to contribute to business from day one.”
