SMEs and the education landscape

Small and medium-sized businesses make up 99% of registered businesses in the UK. And four out of five have recruitment concerns, with more than half reporting a lack of candidates who have the right knowledge and skills.

The CBI partnered with the Strategic Development Network and several industry leaders to provide SMEs with a clear starting point for engaging with education and boosting recruitment.

The Education Landscape: A Guide for Employers explains how SMEs can get involved with education and skills. Find out more about the free Guide here.

In these video testimonies, SME businesses share how they leverage apprenticeships, T Level placements and other education routes to attract top-tier talent.

Hear from the SMEs

1. In this video, security sector supplier Kromek Group shares insights around working with students, and calls attention to the importance of shaping the future workforce.

2. Next, manufacturing company Marmax Products explores the link between community engagement, brand awareness and talent pipelines.

3. Software company and SME, Mesma, used industry placements to work with students and raise the business’ profile with the aim to boost recruitment.

4. Amy Jefferson, HR Manager at Alexander Battery Technologies, explains why it’s essential to inspire next-gen students to work for your organisation.

5. How do apprenticeships develop key training routes and strong organisational relationships? An apprentice at modular home builder, Core Haus, shares his perspective.

6. North East Ambition, which supports all North East schools and colleges to achieve the Good Career Guidance benchmarks, shares the benefits of engaging with education and the ways in which companies can get involved.

7. Thomas Prentice at Stiller Warehousing and Distribution says that if you don't engage with education, you are missing out on an important route to recruit new talent.

Get in touch for more information or to request free resources.