Written by Karen Fisher, Project Lead and Emma Langlois, MAES Curriculum Manager at Ambition Manchester (February 2025)

Ambition Manchester is a bespoke service that supports Manchester residents to increase their earnings and employment satisfaction, giving them better work/life balance and firmly on track to fulfilling their career goals.

As an employer, you may be asking yourself – ‘Why should I get involved?’ The answer is that active engagement with Ambition Manchester will help with your business success.

Key reasons why employers should engage with Ambition Manchester to actively support their employees in-work progression:

1. Increased productivity: Employees who feel valued and invested in tend to be more motivated and productive at work.
2. Retention of talent: Offering career planning progression pathways and skills development opportunities helps employers retain talented individuals, reducing turnover and recruitment costs.
3. Improved employee satisfaction: Workers who see a clear career path are generally happier and more committed to their roles.
4. Positive workplace culture: Supporting employee development and investing in career coaching fosters a culture of learning and progression, making for a more positive and dynamic workplace environment.

By getting involved, you’re not just contributing to a culture of growth and opportunity but leading the way. A motivated workforce means happier employees and better business performance.

Working with employers is an essential aspect of the project, whether you are looking to recruit to roles or support your existing workforce to realise their potential for internal promotion opportunities.

Through partnership work with Ambition Manchester, you can address challenges like filling vacancies and closing skills gaps while creating a more robust and a more competitive workforce. Active engagement can lead to significant benefits for both the workforce and the employer. It empowers your employees and fosters a sense of pride in your workforce.

"Adept has worked with Karen Fisher and Ambition Manchester since its inception in 2023. The project is leading the way and provides an invaluable service to the people of Manchester. We recognise the importance of working with Karen, Ambition, and the people within the communities to help support the people of Manchester in getting into suitable employment with recognised good employers. Adept and I remain fully committed to Ambition Manchester and supporting the people of Manchester." [Alan Brierley, Adept Corporate Services]

Key reasons why employers should engage with this initiative:

• Bridging the skills gap: We all know that a skills gap can hold businesses back. You can help bridge this gap and ensure your company has access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. Investing in local initiatives helps you to find the right talent to meet your specific needs, ultimately benefiting your business.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Engaging with Ambition Manchester shows your commitment to social mobility and community well-being. These efforts align well with corporate social responsibility objectives, bring substantial benefits, and contribute to an employer’s reputation as a socially responsible organisation. It’s good for society and for your company’s reputation.
• Promoting inclusive growth and social mobility: By supporting initiatives that empower marginalised groups, you’re helping to create a workplace that celebrates diversity and opens doors to those from less advantaged backgrounds, helping them advance in their careers. A diverse team brings fresh ideas and perspectives, leading to innovation and a more vibrant company culture.

Investment in developing an inclusive and diverse workforce brings success for everyone.

87% of mentors and mentees feel empowered by the relationship and reported greater confidence and career satisfaction Source: Forbes

How can you get involved?

Getting involved with Ambition Manchester doesn’t mean you have to overhaul your entire business model. There are plenty of ways to support the initiative that can align with your business goals and values. Here are a few ideas:

• Mentoring and coaching:  Opening up your workforce for mentoring to Ambition Manchester participants creates developmental opportunities to practise and learn new skills. It is incredibly valuable and can significantly enhance employee confidence.
• Creating inclusive workplaces: Foster a welcoming environment where everyone has the chance to succeed, regardless of their background.
• Promoting social mobility: Open doors to those from less advantaged backgrounds, helping them advance in their careers.
• Work placements and job shadowing: Giving Ambition Manchester participants job shadowing offers various advantages for employers, from identifying potential talent to gaining fresh perspectives and boosting employee satisfaction and retention.

M, a qualified Quantity Surveyor, joined Ambition in July 2024, eager to start his career in the field. While he had plenty of transferable skills from his current role as a manager, he lacked direct work experience in quantity surveying. Although he was getting interviews, his lack of experience was holding him back.

We discussed how Ambition could help, and I suggested securing unpaid work experience with relevant employers. I reached out to construction companies through the MCC Work and Skills network, and after sending out his CV, we quickly received two offers.

In September, M completed a one-week placement with BAM Construction, followed by two weeks with John Sisk & Son Ltd. His time at John Sisk was extended by another two weeks, and they have now offered him a temporary contract until January 2025.

This experience is boosting his skills, confidence, and network, all of which will hopefully lead to a full-time, permanent role in the industry.

Career Aspirations

M has always aspired to become a Quantity Surveyor. This placement allowed him to bridge the gap between his academic knowledge and practical experience giving a clearer path toward achieving his career goals.

Mentorship and Support

M speaks highly of the mentorship he’s received. “My mentor is always there for advice and guidance” he shares. This support has been key to his growth and development during the placement.

Reflections

When asked to describe John Sisk & Son in one sentence M says, “A great place to work.”

What John Sisk and Son had to say:

"During his time at Sisk, M has demonstrated a strong willingness to take on any task that has been set. He has notably improved his Quantity Surveying skills; conducting take-offs, reviewing, and costing drawing changes, reviewing payment applications, instructing variations and drafting scope of works for different work packages. Despite the complexity of certain construction drawing, M has shown that he can interpret most of them, and with further experience, I am confident M will continue to improve. M's determination and positive attitude towards work would make him a great asset to Sisk in the future, should he choose to apply for the graduate programme."

Find out more and get involved

Ambition Manchester is making a real difference to the lives of economically active Manchester residents through personalised careers support. It is achieving positive outcomes in: 

1. Tackling in-work poverty
2. Supporting inclusive growth and social mobility
3. Supporting career growth and progression
4. Joining up support delivered between local stakeholders
5. Enhancing well-being and quality of life.

Many residents are employed in entry level, unstable jobs, and experience challenges to progress to better employment. Ambition Manchester focuses on supporting motivated individuals by providing opportunities to upskill, secure better-paying roles, and ultimately lead better, more fulfilling lives. When individuals thrive, so does the local economy.

Supporting Ambition Manchester makes good business sense. By diversifying your business activities and your workforce you’re investing in your company's future. This approach can lead to a wider customer base, enhance your reputation, and give you a competitive advantage as a socially responsible employer.

Take the Next Step: Join Ambition Manchester Today

By partnering with Ambition Manchester, you’re not just investing in your workforce—you’re investing in your business’s future and the prosperity of Manchester. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive local economy where individuals thrive, and businesses excel.

Contact karen.fisher@manchester.gov.uk to learn how your organisation can get involved and unlock the benefits of a motivated, diverse, and highly skilled workforce.

Don’t wait to make a difference—join us today and lead the way in fostering growth, opportunity, and success for everyone.