We’re delighted to reveal that Morningside Pharmaceuticals are once again the headline sponsors of the East Midlands largest Careers Speed Networking event, which will see 300 students from 20 locals schools, taking part.
Run by the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP), Careers Speed Networking (CSN) is now in its third year. It will be held at Leicester Racecourse, on Friday 8th November 2019.
CSN is one of the LLEP’s flagship events, with over 150 employers taking part annually. Registration is still open, and can be done online here.
For students, the benefits are clear: the chance to speak to employers, possibly for the first time ever, and to gain a better understanding of the world of work. Following CSN 2018, a student survey found that 95% of attendees felt more aware of their career choices as a result of taking part. One hundred and ninety-seven individual students said they knew more about the range of careers available to them, while 154 said they’d learned about jobs they never knew existed before!
For businesses, it is a chance to promote their sector to the workforce of the future, dispel myths around their industry or simply give something back to the local community. Last year’s event saw 23 industry sectors represented, and 143 individual employers. Ninety-eight per cent found CSN beneficial to their business.
The event is part of Leicester Business Festival, and works by giving small groups of students six minutes to ask an employer questions, before moving on to the next. This format gives young people the opportunity to speak to a wide variety of local employers – from small traders to large corporations, and from manufacturers to members of the service industry.
To ensure participating students have an experience that is as varied as possible, the LLEP is calling on local businesses to get involved. Whether they have taken part in CSN before or are interested in contributing for the first time, all are welcome. The business representatives that attend will be required to talk about their career, give industry insights and employability ‘top tips.’ There’s always the chance of a curveball from the students, too!
CSN is sponsored by Morningside Pharmaceuticals Ltd, which manufactures and supplies quality Generic and Branded medicines to the UK and International markets.
Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, Morningside’s Chief Executive and LLEP Board member, said: “At Morningside we’re committed to employing, nurturing and developing young people.
“In 2018 we launched an Apprenticeship Programme with Loughborough College, which has seen a number of individuals complete a professional qualification whilst working at Morningside. We also encourage our employees to reach their full potential and will support and guide them to take on more responsibility and grow within our organisation.
“We’re delighted to be sponsoring this great event once more and we hope all of the students attending gain some valuable insights into the world of work. This event is also a really good opportunity for businesses to connect with your potential future workforce, and to show them the benefits of a career in your sector.”
Kevin Harris, LLEP Chair, said: “Careers Speed Networking has become one of the highlights of the LLEP events calendar over the past three years. One of the most important things we do as an organisation is promote skills and pathways into the world of work for young people. They are after all the workforce of the future, so it’s great to see so many in attendance year on year.
“Last year employers from a whole host of different businesses and public sector organisations such as AXA PPP Healthcare, East Midlands Airport, HSBC, Crown Packaging, Bamboozle Theatre Company, The National Space Centre , NHS, and the Armed Forces attended the event alongside lots of other local businesses.
“This year we want to see the same commitments, so that students can hear from as many employers as possible, and expand on their labour market knowledge.
“Our diverse businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire recognise that CSN is a wonderful way to raise awareness of their industries, develop links with schools to secure talent pipelines, and improve the careers education of our local young people. It really is an excellent event for all attendees, and I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone there on 8th November.”
Employers can register by visiting here.
Leicestershire’s Largest Careers Speed Networking event takes place at Leicester Racecourse on Friday 8th November, 9am- 2.30pm and is part of the Leicester Business Festival (LBF).
