Becoming, Being, Beyond: Evolving as an Employer of Choice in Mid Ulster
Mid Ulster Labour Market Partnership (LMP) is offering local businesses the opportunity to ‘Evolve as an Employer of Choice in Mid Ulster’ with a free event at the Glenavon House Hotel, Cookstown on Thursday, 18 June.
Funded by the Department for Communities, Labour Market Partnerships create targeted employment action plans for council areas, allowing for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.
‘Becoming, Being, Beyond: Evolving as an Employer of Choice in Mid Ulster’ brings together employers, HR professionals, business leaders, support organisations and workforce development experts to explore practical solutions to current and future labour market challenges.
This flagship event builds on the success of previous Employer of Choice initiatives and will focus on the next stage of workforce development, highlighting the importance of creating sustainable talent pipelines and future-proofing businesses for long-term growth.
With unemployment and economic inactivity levels remaining relatively low across Mid Ulster, employers are increasingly competing for a limited pool of available talent. The event will examine how organisations can move beyond traditional recruitment approaches by investing in apprenticeships, succession planning, employee development and inclusive workplace practices.
Attendees will gain valuable insights into local labour market trends, hear directly from employers who are leading the way in workforce development, and contribute to discussions on the skills and workforce challenges facing businesses today.
The morning programme will feature:
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A networking breakfast and business support exhibition
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Labour market insights and analysis from BBC Economics and Business Editor John Campbell
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A panel discussion with local business leaders on what it means to be an Employer of Choice in Mid Ulster
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A fun and engaging interactive workshop focused on practical leadership
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Roundtable discussions exploring apprenticeships, Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLAs), graduate pathways and upskilling opportunities
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An update on the enhanced Mid Ulster Employer Toolkit ahead of its launch as an online platform
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Networking opportunities with key support organisations
Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Deirdre Varsani, said:
Mid Ulster's business community continues to demonstrate resilience, innovation and ambition. However, with a highly competitive labour market, employers must think differently about how they attract and retain talent. This event provides an important opportunity for businesses to learn from one another, explore practical workforce solutions and strengthen their position as employers of choice. By investing in people, businesses can build the foundations for sustainable growth and long-term success.
Chair of the Mid Ulster Labour Market Partnership, Anthony Quinn, said: "Employers across Mid Ulster are facing unprecedented workforce challenges, but they are also presented with significant opportunities. Organisations that focus on developing talent from within, creating clear progression pathways and fostering inclusive workplace cultures will be best placed to thrive in the years ahead.
“This event is about supporting employers to take a strategic approach to workforce planning and introducing practical resources, including the enhanced Employer Toolkit, that can help them attract, develop and retain the people they need to succeed."
Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to attend and contribute to the discussions that will help shape workforce development across the district.
The Becoming, Being, Beyond: Evolving as an Employer of Choice in Mid Ulster event takes place on Thursday, 18 June from 9.30am – 12.30pm at The Glenavon House Hotel, Cookstown.
Register now.
Attendance is free, but advance registration is essential.
For further information, please contact Colleen Bell, LMP Project Delivery Officer at colleen.bell@midulstercouncil.org or telephone 07919 496306.