The South Wiltshire Economic Partnership, or SWEP for short, has been lobbying on major issues affecting the local economy to ensure the business voice is heard. And a key part of this is local employment.

With a board representation of local businesses, and business organizations such as the chambers and FSB, SWEP is recognized by Wiltshire Council in working to deliver real strategic change.

This year, SWEP was delighted that Wiltshire Council proposed that businesses should have a stronger voice in setting the agenda for economic development and as such, SWEP is now heavily integrated on many major projects affecting the local economy.

One such project, is an initiative led by Wiltshire Council called the Future Jobs Fund (FJF). Supporting the creation of a range of opportunities for young people to develop their education and skills, the FJF route looks at establishing programmes with employers to ensure that potential employees have work, which could also be a potential career path.

Recently successful in a bid for the creation of approx 450 jobs within Wiltshire Council, the Council are keen that local partnerships such as SWEP, work to deliver FJF programmes within the local economy amongst the private sector, covering a wide range of occupational choices, to benefit the local community.

Jack Wills, SWEP Chair said ’the Future Jobs Fund is a win-win situation, for both businesses and potential employees alike, allowing businesses to develop young people within their own organizations and in return, providing valuable experience to the individual’.

With the potential to develop the transferable skill sets within young people in the local area and prevent the risk of a greater number of unemployed during the recession, SWEP are keen to ensure that businesses maximize this opportunity within their own organizations.

If you are a local business in the South Wiltshire area and interested in understanding more about how FJF could help your organization, or would like to know more about what SWEP is doing in the local community, please do not hesitate to contact us on info@southwiltshire.com or look out for our new website launching shortly!