With the availability of jobs being tenuous at best, a plea has gone out for local businesses to provide virtual work experiences for the region’s young people.

According to Dorset Careers Hub – which is delivered by Dorset LEP in partnership with BCP Council and Dorset Council – a skills gap is holding back the local economy.

Dorset Careers Hub is working towards a solution with SpeakersForSchools to deliver the virtual work experience programme. But first, businesses need to volunteer. There’s an information event on Wednesday 4 November, 12.30-1.30pm which will provide businesses with more details on the manageable level of commitment involved. Dorset Careers Hub is especially keen to hear from businesses in the digital or creative industries, finance, manufacturing, health and social care, exporting, construction and tourism.

Steve Williams, Careers Hub lead at Dorset LEP, said, “A small contribution of company time could make a huge impact on a young person’s life prospects, inspire tomorrow’s talent to set their sights on working in one of Dorset’s key sectors and help drive Dorset’s economic recovery. Dorset has a healthy mix of established sectors and new, high potential areas – providing young people with insights to these opportunities will help ensure we develop and retain talent in our region.”

Businesses can register for the online information at: http://bit.ly/DorsetVWEX