We’re asking local businesses to pledge their support to helping out the borough’s future workforce. This week councillors, council officers and representatives from leading local firms met for the Oldham Pledge Business Launch. The Oldham Pledge has been up and running for a number of years and is led by schools and young people across the borough. The scheme gives our young people the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities – helping to build their confidence and supporting their education and development so they can contribute to their communities. Those who sign up to The Oldham Pledge are asked to show evidence that they continually show 14 key character traits, such as leadership, take responsibility for their health and wellbeing, volunteer and pursue learning opportunities. The Pledge also aims to focus on developing a range of skills in children and young people to help improve their employability, in terms of personal skills and experiences.

And this is why we are asking local businesses to get involved and help support the Oldham Pledge. You can do this in various ways: by offering to go into schools and give talks/workshops; invite pupils to your firm; help with mock interviews; offer work experience and by considering those who have taken The Oldham Pledge when it comes to employment. Councillor Paul Jacques, Cabinet Member for Education and Culture, attended the launch, which was held during Business Month, at the Civic Centre. He said: “As well as having the right technical skills and qualifications it is equally as important for our young people to have key, transferable skills and values that underpin their jobs and careers in the future.

“It’s vital that this starts from a young age and carries on throughout the school life of a child so these positive character traits can be developed. “By signing up for the Oldham Pledge our young people are showing they are prepared to go the extra mile when it comes to learning and development. “Now we are calling on businesses to get involved. Together we can help support our young people and ensure they are ready for work in the future so they help the borough grow.” Dave Benstead, HR Director of Diodes and Chair of Oldham Enterprise Trust, said: “We want to recruit young people who we believe can add the most value to our business. “Being involved in the Oldham Pledge helps us to strengthen the talent pool available for selection and encourages young people to exercise initiative and responsibility, and engages them to make a positive difference for the common good; attributes we look for.” For more information about how your firm or business could get involved with The Oldham Pledge contact Suzy Ashworth on 0161 770 8997 or email suzy.ashworth@oldham.gov.uk or Lorna Philip on lp@hathershaw.org.uk

The Oldham Pledge is supported by the Oldham Educational Partnership and the Oldham Enterprise Trust.