Mayor of West Yorkshire's Graduate Pilot

The objective of the pilot will be to test methods that help to bridge the gap between SME employer perspectives, to address expectations of graduates, and will support employers to access graduate talent. Attraction and retention of graduates in the regional economy is key to maximising the economic benefits of higher education. The pilot aims to develop tailored approaches to recruitment of graduates, addressing skills gap areas and key priority sectors, and reducing underemployment of graduates in West Yorkshire. Additionally, it will focus on increasing diversity, particularly within SMEs, by targeting underrepresented graduates who face additional barriers to employment through universities access and participation agenda. The pilot will create a community of graduate ambassadors that have taken part in the program, showcasing success stories and evidence of impactful interventions that helped secure employment. It will also evaluate and make recommendations on how to attract and retain graduate talent within SMEs and other sectors and skills areas.