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Switchboard supports tech employers in Greater Manchester to open a door to someone starting out. You tell us what you can offer. We find the people, make the match, and handle the admin and safeguarding.
A week of work experience counts. So does a 45-day industry placement, an internship, an apprenticeship, or mentoring someone for an hour a month. Give early talent the chance to demonstrate their potential and stand out.
Why now
While employers have struggled to recruit, too many entry-level routes have narrowed or disappeared. The sector needs to fix this for itself and help rebuild a stronger route in.
Andy Burnham’s recent speeches have signalled that the government expects employers to play a bigger role in creating routes into work, including through procurement and 45-day placements. The detail is still to come, but the direction is clear.
If you bid for public work
Social value already accounts for at least ten per cent of the score when public bodies assess bids. Apprenticeships and T Level placements are on the list of things suppliers can offer. Nothing requires them yet, and that's what looks likely to change.
This is where we can offer support, come and talk to us and let’s get a plan in place.
Nobody's too small
Ten-person companies usually assume this isn't for them. It is. We can split a placement between two or three businesses, give you a supervision plan and offer any wraparound support that you might need.
Add your name
Tell us what you can offer over the next twelve months, roughly how many, and when you'd have capacity. We'll add you to the list of employers backing this.