Hello PPMA Members and friends

Our Annual Conference is just around the corner and we’re delighted to share with you the latest press release all about an exciting event to be held there called Tomorrow’s Talent.

“In advance of the Public Services People Managers Association (PPMA) conference which is being held for the first time in Newcastle-Gateshead on 19th and 20th April 2018, PPMA and key partners are delighted to announce a special pre-conference employability event for local college students on Wednesday 18th April.

PPMA is the first choice association for HR & OD professionals across Public Services. A key focus for the association is the development of young talent. We recognise that, in spite of current perceptions about careers in public service, the reality is these careers have the capacity to be varied, challenging, interesting and profoundly fulfilling.  Public perceptions of what it is like to be a public servant remain very different from the reality.

PPMA has teamed with a long-standing sponsor and supporter, ManpowerGroup to bring an inspiring event to the region, that provides young people with the opportunity to participate in a range of career-focused activities. Called ‘Tomorrow’s Talent’, two half day workshops will involve talking to young people about what they want from careers; hear from employers about what they can offer; participating in interview panels and receiving interview coaching.  Employer representatives from across the region and wider public service sector, will also learn from working with and hearing from young people about their hopes as they ready themselves their employment journey

Karen Grave, PPMA Vice President 2017/18 and President Elect 2018/19 says “We should all be concerned with things don’t go well in public sector.  However in my experience, there are some incredible people working in really challenging circumstances who demonstrate the best of us.  They are creative, committed, passionate, innovative, focused and care deeply about delivering services that make our country a better place.  Young people have a profound contribution to make to public service and as incoming President I am deeply committed to doing what I can to promote and encourage their interest in a career in public service”.

Nick Heckscher, ManpowerGroup Operations Director says, “We are excited to be bringing Tomorrow’s Talent to Newcastle and Gateshead Colleges. We know how important it is for students to explore the world of work in advance of commencing their job search. We have also learned that our Tomorrow’s Talent format gives them a unique insight into both interviewing and being interviewed! We are committed to maximising the chances of young people to develop into the public-sector leaders of tomorrow and working with employers in this sector to better understand how to unleash the talent of the next generation.”

Working with colleagues at Gateshead and Newcastle Colleges, PPMA and ManpowerGroup will host a morning and afternoon session.  In total we are thrilled to be welcoming 50 students from the colleges and 20 employer representatives – some of whom are local, some of whom are travelling from across the country to be at the event and conference.

In addition to ‘Tomorrow’s Talent’, other students from the colleges will take part in project-based work designed to support the conference while maximising employment opportunities.

Nadine Hudspeth, Director Marketing & Communications at Gateshead College says “Giving our students the employment edge and a head start in the jobs market is our number one priority. We are really grateful for this brilliant opportunity from PPMA and Manpower which will give our students really valuable experience of the interview and recruitment process and will also inspire them to think about the huge range of job opportunities which exist in the public sector.”

Lisa Hoseason, Director of School – Health, Childcare, Business and Science at Newcastle College, says “Providing our learners with opportunities to work with and learn from local employers to develop their skills and knowledge is key to unlocking their potential. It helps to ensure they develop the work-ready skills required to progress into employment and raise their aspirations. We are delighted to be able to participate in this fantastic event”.

PPMA will be producing a series of blogs about this event and will be publishing them on our website www.ppma.org.uk post conference.  If you would like any additional information about the event please contact [email protected] in the first instance.”