National Careers Week 2024

As we head into National Careers Week (4-9 March), we’re looking at the amazing career opportunities on offer here at Longbridge…

Unlocking career potential at Longbridge

As National Careers Week approaches, it’s a timely reminder of the significance of bringing quality employers into local communities. Nestled within a revitalised landscape, Longbridge stands as one of the UK’s most significant regeneration projects, not only breathing new life into its surroundings but attracting employment opportunities, with over 3,000 new jobs already created and the potential for thousands more on the horizon.

Longbridge is a story of remarkable transformation and community resurgence. Once the bustling birthplace of the Mini, it boasted a car plant that employed over 6,000 individuals and its closure left a profound gap in the local economy. However, through strategic investment, Longbridge has seen over 50% of its 468-acre estate already re-developed, with thousands of high-quality, skilled jobs replacing those that were once lost.

Within the diverse industries set to thrive at Longbridge, numerous standout opportunities await aspiring professionals.

Longbridge Business Park: A gateway to new opportunities

As St. Modwen continues the £300m regeneration of the former West Works site, the area is rapidly gaining recognition for being a specialist centre for science, technology, medicine, precision engineering and R&D. The arrival of Allsee Technologies, announced in January this year, further enhances this burgeoning reputation.

A growing number of businesses are helping to support and strengthen the local economy and enhance Longbridge’s reputation as a destination for market-leading business. These leading companies include the recently completed IVC Evidensia veterinary hospital – Blaise Referrals, Waters Corporation’s precision manufacturing centre, plus new investment from Sterling Pharmaceuticals and more. The business park has the potential to generate up to 5,000 new jobs, with approximately 600 already confirmed.

The first of the new businesses is Blaise Veterinary Hospital. For those with a passion for animal welfare, Blaise offers a gateway into the fulfilling field of veterinary medicine, the state-of-the-art hospital employs around 100 staff.

Whether you want to become a vet or to provide compassionate care to animals, its Veterinary Care Assistants roles, offer individuals access to invaluable hands-on experience assisting vets with animal care, handling, and medical procedures. This role offers a rewarding starting point for any early careers in this sector.

Blaise Veterinary Hospital also provides opportunities within its Operational Support team, catering to individuals with skills in administration, finance, or customer service. These roles are pivotal in maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring seamless client interactions, thereby contributing to the overall success of the organisation.

Future opportunities and growth

Looking ahead, Waters Corporation and Allsee Technologies are poised to bring a combined total of over 250 highly skilled jobs to the business park. Additionally, the forthcoming headquarters of Sterling Pharmaceuticals and Metalor Technologies signals further growth, with around 300 new roles expected.

South and City College, Longbridge Campus

The South and City College campus lies in the heart of Longbridge, a vital institution that plays a significant role in educating the local community. As an integral part of Longbridge, the college serves as a key contributor to the area’s workforce development and talent pipeline.

With a vision for the future, the forging of direct partnerships within the Longbridge estate have bridged the gap between education and industry. Through such collaborations, students have had the opportunity to gain real-world experience and receive tailored training to prepare them for their careers post-education.

Birmingham South West (Longbridge) Job Centre

In addition to the opportunities within Longbridge’s occupiers, the business park is supported by its nearby job centre. Regularly hosting career fairs and events, the Birmingham South West (Longbridge) Job Centre serves as a vital resource for job seekers in the area.

Employers, too, can benefit from the services offered at the job centre, including access to Employer Advisers who facilitate introductions to a diverse talent pool. With individuals possessing a broad range of skills and experiences actively seeking employment, businesses can connect with qualified candidates to meet their workforce needs.

National Careers Week shines a spotlight on the transformative impact on redevelopment projects with diverse histories like Longbridge. Whether its aspiring veterinarians, skilled professionals, or job seekers, the Longbridge estate is providing new opportunities to the local community.