New scheme to help graduates gain jobs in Birmingham

Companies and universities in the West Midlands are joining forces to help graduate talent find jobs in the city.

The HLSM Plus (Higher Level Skills Match Plus) programme, sees Birmingham City University (BCU), Aston University, University College Birmingham (UCB), and the University of Birmingham work with companies to improve access to high-skilled jobs within the city’s enterprise zone.

READ MORE: University of Birmingham generates £4.4 billion for the West Midlands and UK economies

The scheme, which is open to all past students regardless of the date they graduated is funded by the Birmingham Enterprise Zone.

Harris Beider, Pro Vice Chancellor Engagement, Enterprise and Innovation at Birmingham City University, said: "If we want to continue supporting the growth of Birmingham, the city needs to remain accessible to the 38,000 graduates and final year students looking to join the workforce every year.

"The HLSM Plus programme ensures that local businesses are first in line to benefit from this talent pool."

The programme follows the success of the previous (HLSM) and Graduate Re-Tune (GR) programmes, which worked with over 700 local SMEs, placing 892 unemployed graduates into positive outcomes.

Rosa Wells, FE Principal at University College Birmingham, added: " "Addressing graduate unemployment requires a unified effort.

"By combining the resources and expertise of multiple universities, we can offer a more integrated support system for our graduates.

"This collaborative approach enables us to align educational outcomes more closely with the needs of employers, ensuring a smoother and more effective transition from academia to the professional world."

David Evans, assistant director, research partnerships & impact at the University of Birmingham, said: "HLSM Plus stands as a testament to our commitment to bridging the skills gap and driving economic development.

"By providing businesses with streamlined access to a diverse talent pool, we are creating a powerful synergy that supports both immediate business needs and long-term economic resilience."

HLSM Plus is open to any business operating in Birmingham’s Enterprise Zone. Find out more HERE.