A NEW chair has been appointed at the Solihull Employment and Skills Board (SESB).
Will Shepherd has taken on the role after Paul Thandi stepped down from the Board in February.
SESB has helped shape Solihull Council’s employment and skills support for local businesses and the community to help drive economic growth in the borough over the years.
By identifying skills gap in the workforce and potential growth opportunities, the Board works closely with key stakeholders to develop initiatives to give residents the skills employers need.
Will said: “I am excited about this opportunity to apply my passion for employment and skills to the role of chair of the SESB.
“With a group of like-minded employers, working with the Council and other key local stakeholders, I know that we can have a positive impact on priorities for skills and employment locally.
“From youth unemployment initiatives, crucial work with schools, improving skill levels, and the need for hyper local community recruitment in certain sectors, I am looking forward to involving a strong group of local employers, with the aim of achieving better outcomes for both the current and future workforce within Solihull.”
Previously, Will was the chief executive of Cohesion for 15 years and will be able to use knowledge in recruitment and innovation to lead the Board, as well as acting as the voice of employers.
He was a non-executive director for Miss Macaroon for six years, working with the leadership team of this social enterprise to help young people who have experienced long term unemployment to develop the necessary skills and aspiration to build successful careers.
Councillor Ian Courts, leader of Solihull Council, said: “I would like to welcome Will to the Board and his new role in Solihull.
“I am sure that Will’s leadership will be invaluable in shaping our services while we strive to attract new investment and create new jobs.
“Tackling youth unemployment has always been one of our most important challenges. I am excited what Will can bring to the Board to increase our support for young people.”
