Photo Credit: Heather Magner at Northern Exposure Photos and Videos

By KLTV Newsdesk –

New initiative showcases the wide range of local career paths available to young people across Kirklees

The Kirklees Top 100 Careers Edition officially launched in April, bringing together local businesses, educators, and career professionals with a shared mission: to inspire young people by highlighting the diverse career opportunities available across the Kirklees district.

A Platform for Future Ambitions

The Careers Edition is the latest addition to the Kirklees Top 100 Companies initiative and has been developed through a partnership between the University of Huddersfield, the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre (3M BIC), Business Kirklees, and Kirklees Council’s Employment and Skills service.

The initiative is designed to support students in secondary schools and colleges by showing them that their local area is not only a great place to live but also to learn, work, and grow professionally. It provides insight into the career paths available at some of the region’s most successful businesses.

Launch Event Brings Together Experts and Educators

The Careers Edition was unveiled at a special event held on Wednesday 2 April at the 3M BIC, where careers leads from schools, career advisers, and business representatives gathered to learn more, share ideas, and receive early copies of the new brochure.

The event was opened by Cllr Amanda Pinnock, Cabinet Member for Education and Communities at Kirklees Council, and featured a panel of esteemed professionals from a variety of industries, who shared their perspectives on the evolving employment landscape.

Cllr Amanda Pinnock said: “This year’s Kirklees Top 100 list features businesses who are leading the way in their industries and achieving great things; we know that the foundation of their success, lies with their people.

“The intention of the Top 100 Careers Edition is to support and guide our young people throughout their career journey, equipping them with the confidence and skills to make the right choices – and to take their first vital steps in their transition from school to College, to an Apprenticeship, or to University and on to what is an ever more complex and challenging labour market.

“It is crucial that we continue to shine a spotlight on the wide range of careers opportunities which exist locally, and share the message with our schools, careers advisors and most importantly young people that you can build your chosen career right here in Kirklees.”

Diverse Panel Highlights Local Opportunities

The event featured contributions from a wide range of professionals, including:

• Claire Aydogan, Head of Careers and Employability, University of Huddersfield

• Jazmeer Jackson, Lawyer, Thompsons Solicitors

• Sue Cooke, CEO, 3M Buckley Innovation Centre

• Martin Green, Chief Executive, C + K Careers Ltd

• Steve Radley, HR Business Partner, HSL Chairs

• Clare Gill, Social Sustainability Manager, BAM

• Lauren Wallman, Talent Development Manager, Thornton & Ross Ltd

• Cllr Amanda Pinnock, Cabinet Member for Education and Communities, Kirklees Council

Their insights helped shape the discussion around how Kirklees can continue to support young people on their path into the world of work.

What’s Next?

The Careers Edition brochure is now being distributed to schools and colleges throughout the district, giving careers leads a valuable tool to help inform and inspire students as they consider their next steps. An online version is also available.

Plans are already in motion for the next 12 months of activity under the Top 100 Careers Edition strategy.

For more information, contact the Employment and Skills team at: employmentandskills@kirklees.gov.uk