By KLTV Newsdesk –

Kirklees Local TV (KLTV) and the Department for Transport (DfT) proudly introduced the Recruit, Acclimatise, Develop and Retain (R.A.D.A.R.) programme on January 22, 2024.

This ground-breaking programme, which is City & Guilds assured, aims to usher in a new era of talent acquisition and development for the Civil Service.

The event commenced with a special invitation to a select group of learners who pioneered the R.A.D.A.R. programme. These individuals were honoured at the DfT Leeds office, where they received certificates for their successful completion of the course as part of the pilot program.

The learners gained invaluable insights into the inner workings of the civil service, the application process, and the diverse range of opportunities available.

Elliott Patrice, a pilot learner, expressed his enthusiasm: “The R.A.D.A.R. launch event was a great chance to look back at some of our achievements and celebrate, while looking to the future and at what we can now do going forward. Hopefully, more people will get to benefit from the R.A.D.A.R. programme like I did.”

Following the morning session, a special launch event at the Keys restaurant in Huddersfield brought together delegates from Kirklees and West Yorkshire.

Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the R.A.D.A.R. programme, discuss opportunities for learners to enrol, and network with peers. Live music from R&B and Soul Artist Ruby Wood added a vibrant atmosphere to the occasion.

Delegates gained insights directly from those involved in developing the online programme and heard testimonials from learners who contributed to its pilot phase.

Questions were welcomed, providing a comprehensive understanding of how to best support learners on the programme.

John Connell, Deputy Director for the Department of Transport, was impressed by the level of support, saying: “It’s great to see so many people invested in celebrating the success of the people who have been through the RADAR programme.

“RADAR is about promoting the Civil Service and getting more people in from all walks of life, so we’re encouraging anyone from Huddersfield and the north to go on the website and apply.”

The event received distinguished support, with delegates such as the Mayor of Kirklees, Clr Cahal Burke, in attendance.

The mayor shared his excitement for the programme, saying: “It was great to find out an awful lot more about R.A.D.A.R., not overly being familiar with the courses and the opportunity it presents and creates.

“It’s going to open the door to a lot of people who may have felt there were barriers in front of them and couldn’t access such courses, giving them opportunities to achieve and succeed.”

Local councillors, including Amanda Pinnock from Ashbrow Ward, emphasised the importance of such initiatives for young people seeking career opportunities.

“Clr Pinnock remarked: “R.A.D.A.R. would be great for young people who aren’t quite sure about what they want to do, especially in getting them employment ready.”

Overall, the event was a resounding success, and KLTV extends its heartfelt thanks to the Department for Transport, City & Guilds, and all attendees for their unwavering support of the R.A.D.A.R. programme.

Dr Milton Brown, Director, and CEO at KLTV, was inspired by the turnout, and proud to see how far the programme has come.

He said: “RADAR was started in 2014 as in-person training and development. It seems surreal to see where it is now, primed, and ready to launch at a national level, for people from underrepresented backgrounds to access.

“I’m grateful to everyone who came to this launch event, it’s inspiring to see so many people and groups invested in supporting people into work.”

Christopher Morgan, Director, and Chief Editor at KLTV, added: “We are elated by the response to the R.A.D.A.R. programme launch.

“Witnessing the enthusiasm of our learners, the support from our community, and the commitment of our partners has truly validated the vision behind R.A.D.A.R.

“This programme embodies a transformative force for the Civil Service, and we at KLTV are thrilled to play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter future for aspiring talents.

“The resounding success of the launch sets the stage for a journey of empowerment, growth, and meaningful impact.”

The R.A.D.A.R. programme is set to officially launch on Monday, February 5, 2024, on kltv.teachable.com. For further information, please contact RADARprogramme@gmail.com.