Michaela Reaney, managing director of Newcastle based Gradvert is one of only a small number of industry experts giving their views on how businesses can better attract and retain graduates, at an event taking place next month.
The owner of the Hoults Yard based business, which supports businesses to put in place graduate schemes and ongoing leadership training for them, and works with universities to improve the employability of their students, is speaking at the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) 2016 Student Recruitment Conference in June.
The event, which is expected to attract some 500 people, will see Michaela talk to attendees about the support her company provided to transport company The Go-Ahead Group, which has now put in place a hugely successful and diverse graduate scheme that has helped to future proof its skills needs.
Michaela said: “It’s a real coup to have been asked to speak at this event, as it is nationally significant and is a great opportunity to showcase the work we have done with Go-Ahead. It is critical to spread the word about the importance of getting the skills-mix and diversity right within businesses if we want to protect and strengthen the economy right now and in the future.”
Gradvert works with businesses across the country, and while it is based in Newcastle, 80 per cent of the company’s clients are based outside of the North East.
“Gradvert really has established itself as a leading force for graduate recruitment, and with more work going into the ongoing support that employers give to their graduates – as an Institute of Leadership Management approved training provider – we are working with our clients more holistically, ensuring they have all of the skills within their business that they will need from a succession planning point of view,” Michaela added.
Michaela will take to the stage at the three-day event on Friday, June 24 alongside representatives from Asda, Network Rail and Citi; Nigel Jeremy, chief learning officer at British Airways, as well as Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, president and vice-chancellor for The University of Manchester.
To find out more about Gradvert visit www.gradvert.com.