/prod01/channel_2/media/site-assets/images/news/Business.png)
Leeds Trinity University is playing a key role in boosting local skills and supporting business growth across the West Yorkshire region through an impactful partnership with Leeds City Council.
The University’s Business Engagement Team has been working alongside the Council’s Economic Development team to connect employers with targeted opportunities designed to help address workforce challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), such as recruitment limitations and lack of resources, to support upskilling in line with industry demands.
One such collaboration has supported Fenton Packaging, a Leeds-based company struggling with attracting younger employees, to identify a sustainable solution to bring in new talent. Leeds Trinity supported the company through recruiting a young employee and enrolling them on the Supply Chain Degree Apprenticeship at the University. The degree combines academic study with hands-on workplace experience, ensuring both the employee and the business benefit from the opportunity.
It is the type of partnership working that demonstrates the value of universities to the UK government’s industrial strategy. The strategy sees universities not only as education providers, but as engines of regional development and business innovation through industry partnerships, support for startups and collaboration with local employers and governments.
Ian Maude, Head of Business Development at Leeds Trinity University said: “Our latest success with Fenton highlights how collaboration between higher education institutions, local authorities and businesses can help tackle skills shortages, create employment opportunities for young people, and support long-term economic growth.
“The project reflects Leeds Trinity’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the regional economy by providing accessible, high-quality apprenticeship pathways and helping employers build a sustainable workforce.”
David Baggaley, Economic Development Programme Lead at Leeds City Council said: “It has been great to work with the Business Engagement Team at Leeds Trinity University to find the best solution for a long-established Leeds business like Fenton, supporting them to invest in the next generation and making sure they have the skills to take the business forward in the long term.
"The supply chain apprenticeship is a perfect fit for modern and forward-thinking local firms, and a great example of how Leeds Trinity University is developing bespoke apprenticeship training programmes to meet the needs of businesses in Leeds and West Yorkshire."
The University works closely with other key regional stakeholders, such as West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Leeds Digital, West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, and Employment and Skills Leeds to support business and skills development through early talent identification, access to knowledge transfer partnerships, and expert training.
To explore business growth opportunities at Leeds Trinity University, visit the Business and Employers webpage.