Fresh Futures and Kirklees Employment and Skills Connect Kirklees Residents with Employment Opportunities

39 employers, training providers and support organisations join forces during National Inclusion Week to help local people break barriers and navigate change

Fresh Futures has brought together employers, training providers and employment support services from across Kirklees to help local residents explore new opportunities, build confidence and take positive steps towards employment.

As part of National Inclusion Week, the charity hosted Shaping Futures at Brian Jackson House, Huddersfield, welcoming residents from across the district to connect with employers, discover training opportunities and access support designed to help break down barriers to work.

Delivered in partnership with Kirklees Employment & Skills, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Jobcentre Plus, the event saw 39 exhibitors
come together under this year’s theme, Break Barriers. Navigate Change. Open to all residents seeking employment, training or career development opportunities, the event also reflected Fresh Futures’ ongoing commitment to supporting young people who are not currently in education, employment or training (NEET), helping them access pathways that can transform their future prospects.

Attendees had the opportunity to meet employers from a wide range of sectors, explore current vacancies and training programmes, gain careers advice and connect with organisations dedicated to helping people overcome barriers to employment. The event also highlighted the long-term impact that bringing employers and job seekers together can have. Following last year’s Shaping Futures event, Cedar Court Hotel Huddersfield successfully recruited a new employee after making connections through the showcase. Having experienced the benefits first hand, the hotel returned this year as an exhibitor, keen to engage with local talent and support more residents into sustainable employment.

Katie Shephard, Fresh Futures, said:

“Shaping Futures demonstrates the incredible things that can happen when organisations come together around a shared goal. While the event is open to everyone, it is  particularly important for the young people we support who are not currently in education, employment or training.

“We know that no single organisation can tackle the NEET crisis alone. By working collaboratively with employers, Kirklees Employment & Skills, DWP, Jobcentre Plus and other partners, we can create meaningful opportunities, build confidence and help people navigate their next steps towards employment.

“Events like Shaping Futures are about more than jobs. They are about raising aspirations, widening horizons and ensuring that everyone has access to the support and opportunities they need to reach their potential.”

Emma chambers from probation service said

“Not only were we able to raise awareness of who we are and the services we provide, but we also acted as a bridge between our service users and other sources of support that could benefit them. The event created valuable opportunities for referrals, connections, and networking, all of which were extremely positive.”

Shaun from Cedar Court said

“We are going into hiring season and this event came at a perfect time. It’s always great to support Fresh Futures and to connect to other businesses and strengthen rapports”

Attendee 1 (female)

“I am so thankful for the event. It’s been really informative to know where I can get support from and it’s good to know what is available. “

Attendee 2 (male)

“I actually enjoyed it today, I learned a lot. Everyone was polite and prepared to answer any questions I had. “

Approximately 250 people attended the event, demonstrating the continuing demand for accessible opportunities that connect local residents with employers, skills provision and support services. Through partnership working and a shared commitment to inclusion, Fresh Futures and its partners continue to play a vital role in helping local people overcome barriers, develop new skills and build brighter futures across Kirklees.