Financial support available for Worcestershire businesses seeking to employ local graduates

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Business

Worcestershire County Council is encouraging local businesses to consider employing recent graduates, in a bid to retain talent and skills within the county.

The Here2Help Business Support team have re launched its Graduate Development Programme, which offers grant funding up to the value of £6250 to eligible businesses to help finance a graduate position once recruited.

The benefits of recruiting graduates are numerous. As well as introducing the latest knowledge and skills into the business, they can also bring a fresh perspective and new ideas which can in turn improve productivity, creativity, and innovation.

Telecetra, a mobile workforce management solution provider based in Malvern, are one of the companies that have benefitted from the scheme. 

A spokesperson from Telecetra said, “Via the Graduate Development Programme strand of support, Telecetera was able to recruit a talented and enthusiastic individual who will directly contribute to the product development plans of the company.”  

Councillor Marc Bayliss, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Economy, Infrastructure and Skills, said, “I am delighted we are able to offer grant funding for businesses seeking to employ local graduates. Many businesses see the benefit of recruiting a graduate but don’t feel they are able to afford it this support can help them get the calibre of employee that they are seeking to help their business grow.

“In addition, we are helping increase employment opportunities for graduates, and postgraduates, whilst retaining their talent for the benefit of the wider local economy.”

To qualify, businesses must trade predominantly business to business, be located within the Worcestershire area, have no more than 250 employees and have traded for at least 36 months. The appointed graduate should be a resident of Worcestershire or have recently graduated from the University of Worcester.

With only a limited number of grants available so eligible businesses are urged to apply quick.