Embedding EDI into early talent attraction and recruitment
The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) has published an EDI toolkit which aims to help employers put EDI at the heart of the creation of occupational standards and apprenticeships.
The toolkit contains detailed guidance on four protected characteristics: age, disability, race and sex. It highlights key data and sets out steps that employers can take to ensure that their apprenticeship schemes are more inclusive. There is also further guidance on social mobility and other protected characteristics.
There is clear evidence that diversity brings benefits to employers as well as employees. These include employers accessing the widest possible talent pool, supporting inclusive cultures, and improving employee retention rates. Additionally, research shows improvements in financial performance and reputation.
Apprenticeships are a great way to support EDI. In particular, they can support social mobility by widening the options to enter professional careers. The toolkit shows that considering where jobs are advertised and making small adjustments, for example by supporting apprentices with travel costs, can make a difference to successfully recruiting and retaining apprentices.
T Levels are the new technical qualifications for 16–19-year-olds and provide opportunities for students to gain valuable workplace skills, learn more about their sector and offers employers the opportunity to build the talent pipelines for their future workforce.
Investment20/20 will be examining this topic further in our Skills Briefing on Thursday 29 June, 9am – 10.30am, held at T.Rowe Price in the City of London. Come along to hear from Youth Futures Foundation on youth employment and diversity, the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education on their EDI toolkit, and case studies on ‘what works’ from J O Hambro Capital Management, Fidelity International and T.Rowe Price. Sign up now for ‘Embedding a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion into early talent recruitment’.
For more information on how Investment20/20 can support businesses to attract, develop, and retain talented people from all backgrounds please contact Gina Griesel or Juliet Leith.
