Positive About Inclusion was commissioned by the North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) to deliver the employer engagement stage of the Inclusivity Pilot in Advanced Manufacturing – South Tyneside (IPAM-ST).
IPAM-ST was an exciting and innovative project designed to support South Tyneside residents into employment in the advanced manufacturing sector. The pilot aimed to demonstrate that collaboration between the relevant stakeholders could provide pathways to support economically inactive people into suitable entry level positions. The project was funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and overseen by South Tyneside Council.
The IPAM-ST pilot was borne from research published by MADE NE that identified that approx. 16,000 entry level production operator roles would be created by growth in the North East automotive sector and their supply chain over the next five years.
As one of the project’s delivery partners, Positive About Inclusion was tasked with engaging local advanced manufacturing employers, evaluating their current approach to recruitment and their working practices, and providing support to enhance their approach to enable them to attract and engage with a wider range of diverse talent. This will be critical as the demand for production operators exceeds the supply currently available.
Delivered over three months, our approach to the project comprised five key element:
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Employer and stakeholder identification and engagement
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Assessment of employer readiness and their current approach to recruitment and workplace inclusivity
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Evaluation of stakeholder engagement and support
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Shared learning and best practice support interventions
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Evaluation and recommendations
Employer engagement took the form of online or in person Inclusivity Conversations, an appreciative inquiry style approach designed to focus on positive practice.
The learning and best practice identified was presented to those who had engaged in an online session. This was delivered on two occasions to maximise attendance and recorded to enable those who were unable to attend to view at their convenience.
Finally our work culminated in an evaluation stage. The feedback and insight obtained throughout the engagement period was summarised in a report of our findings and recommendations, including factors to consider should the pilot transition to be rolled out to a full scale project.
“Working with Positive About Inclusion as one of the delivery partners for the IPAM-ST pilot was a really positive experience. They were flexible and responsive to the needs of the project and engaged successfully with a range of employers. Their findings and recommendation were presented in a useful report, and the feedback and insight they obtained will definitely help to shape future inclusive employability projects.”
Paul Butler, CEO of North East Automotive Alliance
