Young people who traditionally wouldn’t consider a career in the RAF are being targeted in Liverpool in a brand new initiative.
The city council’s ‘Liverpool in Work’ employer engagement team is holding two recruitment events next week, targeted at people aged 17-25 from black and minority ethnic communities.
Liverpool is the first place chosen by the RAF for the Value in People (VIP) initiative, which will be rolled out nationally.
Together with partners Connexions, Liverpool Community College, Adult Learning Services and Job Centre Plus, the aim is to give out information which will help with making an application.
A mock up of a fighter jet cockpit will be on show to give people a taste of the type of opportunities available.
The events are being held from 10am – 2pm on:
Tuesday 23 October – junction of Church Street and Parker Street, Liverpool City Centre
Thursday 25 October – The Florence Institute, 377 Mill Street, Toxteth, Liverpool, L8 4RF
Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet member for employment, enterprise and skills, said: “There are many different types of roles available within the RAF and people don’t realise the breadth of opportunities that are available.
“This is also about making sure that we have people from all different backgrounds and communities within the RAF, so that they are representative of the country that they serve.”
Squadron Leader Phil Todd from the RAF said: “The Royal Air Force is extremely pleased to be working in partnership with Liverpool in Work and other Liverpool based partners on a brand new ‘pilot’ recruitment event.
“The Royal Air Force ‘Value in People’ Positive Action Programme marks the start of a new chapter in our engagement strategy with under represented groups from our Officer and Airman ranks. At this time of austerity measures and cutbacks the Royal Air Force is still recruiting the future of our Service; some 1500 jobs this year alone. Liverpool has always been a fantastic supporter of the Royal Air Force and our recruitment Centre in Aintree, and James Street before it, has often topped the charts in terms of young people joining the Royal Air Force.”
