Executive Summary
The team partnered with BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness to create alternative career pathways for candidates who were unsuccessful in BAE’s apprenticeship programme. Recognising the local challenges of economic inactivity and low educational attainment, a two-week intensive employability programme was launched in collaboration with Inspira. This initiative provided training, coaching, and direct engagement with hiring managers, resulting in four successful hires and laying the foundation for ongoing social value initiatives in the region.
The Brief
The customer sought a focused employability initiative that would expand access to meaningful career opportunities for local candidates.
The Outcome
Four candidates secured employment following the programme: three through apprenticeship routes and one through a full-time project engineering role. The programme’s structure, including employability training, one-to-one coaching, and interviews with hiring managers, helped candidates build confidence and demonstrate their potential.
Beyond the initial cohort, the team continues to support future participants through mentoring, coaching, and engagement with local schools and community groups. This ongoing work strengthens succession planning, supports local talent development, and contributes to improved employment prospects in one of England’s most disadvantaged areas.
