Free help in finding talented graduates for your business in Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Sutton-in-Ashfield

Sue Edwards runs the Graduate Talent arm of Enterprising Ashfield, part of Nottingham Trent University and funded by The Towns Fund. It is an innovative scheme developed in association with Ashfield District Council.

“I’m here to help businesses attract, retain and employ people with higher level skills,” said Sue, who is originally from Kirkby and has worked in University roles with businesses for many years. “A lot of businesses are finding it much harder because of shortages within the workforce or technology moving on so quickly.”

Whatever the type of role – from a manufacturing chemist to a managing director – Sue can help businesses identify needs, craft a well-targeted recruitment advert and help you secure a £2,500 grant. We caught up with Sue to find out more.

Who is eligible for support?

Any business in the Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Sutton-in-Ashfield area can apply, whether it’s a large firm with thousands of employees or a sole trader.

What does it cost?

It’s all free and offers a 1-2-1 support service. Sue’s time and expertise costs you nothing and if your business takes on a graduate then there is a grant of £2,500 to help cover the first 12 weeks, as long as this is match funded by you. The grant can be used for a permanent or fixed-term position.

“The money helps businesses get through that onboarding period,” Sue explained. “If someone comes in the business and does the first 12 weeks, the employer can use that as a way to test a candidate.”

What kind of roles are included?

It could be anything, as long as it is a suitable graduate role. The person employed could be an undergraduate – straight from university with a degree; they may have a Masters Degree or hold a PHd (doctorate). Some companies will know exactly what kind of role and person they are looking for and the skills needed, others might not. But that’s where Sue comes in.

“I can help them to identify whether the job is at graduate level. Sometimes it’s straight-forward, sometimes I may do a general review of the talent pool to see what’s missing and if a graduate role is suitable.”

Sue can help write, check or finesse job descriptions too, to ensure that they will appeal to potential graduate employees and are right for a graduate role.

Why employ a graduate?

Sue says there are many reasons, not just that they have the up-to-date training and skills in their chosen field and are often very motivated and good self-starters, keen to start a career.

“They come in with fresh ideas, they are pre-programmed to ask questions, they are keen to learn new skills, used to researching, are good at analytical thinking and verifying their sources,” she said.

Does Enterprising Ashfield find the candidates?

No, each business has total control over interviewing and selecting their own candidates – and they can advertise the role on multiple platforms. You can decide on the salary, and terms and conditions too. However, because of the link to Nottingham Trent University there is more direct help if needed.

“We have an online portal for our graduates looking for vacancies,” Sue explained. “And working in conjunction with me, if they have a specific set of skills and want to target someone with those skills we can help with that.”

Recruitment research at the university has shown their former students want to stay in the East Midlands, which is good for the local economy and for businesses, Sue says.

What if I’m struggling to fill a role?

The scheme has helped several companies struggling to attract candidates, sometimes altering the recruitment advert is all that’s needed, other times a different approach is required.

Sue helped one company to successfully recruit an international graduate, after they had spent thousands on recruitment and failed to fill the position. She was able to help them through the paperwork needed for a work Visa – which she said was nowhere near as complex as you might think.

What if it’s not a graduate role?

If it turns out a business’s vacancy would not be suitable as a graduate position, there is still help available. Because there are several strands to Enterprising Ashfield Sue would be able to signpost to other things, like free training to upskill the existing workforce, or apprenticeship information.

“Part of my role is to identify what the need is, within a company. We will then work together as a team to help find a solution from within Enterprising Ashfield, or outside,” she said, citing an example of one firm which she helped to find free Women in Leadership training courses.

“Some businesses don’t need much help at all, basically get the grant money to help pay for the recruit. For others I spend time in the business and look round and talk to them about what they want for the business and their aspirations.”

Is this a glorified work experience?

Not at all, Sue says. “This is not about the business doing the person a favour. It’s all about finding the right person to take into your business and bringing benefit to that business.”

What’s the deadline?

The project has been running for 18 months and has funding until the end of March 2026, so even if a business is thinking they might take on a graduate in the future, it’s still worth contacting Sue now to have a chat.

Find out more

If your firm needs advice, a sounding board or sign-posting to more detailed support, the friendly and approachable team at Enterprising Ashfield can help. Email [email protected] or visit the website.