Enterprising Ashfield - Chris Parker
Chris Parker is a Recruitment Business Partner at who are a telecommunications business providing end-to-end, multi-utility solutions that power the UK’s critical infrastructure. The group operates across the telecoms, digital infrastructure, utility, and energy sectors, they provide a range of integrated turnkey, multi-utility solutions.
Svella Connect have been involved with the Enterprising Ashfield project, working with the graduate recruitment team, to take on a graduate placement.
Enterprising Ashfield is being delivered by NTU in partnership with Ashfield District Council and is part funded by the Government's Town Fund. The project provides support to enhance business productivity and improve the skills of local residents and employees in the Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Sutton-in-Ashfield areas.
At first, I was skeptical about the project as it seemed too good to be true but after speaking with Sue and Kieran, they put my mind at ease and showed that the project was something to not miss out on.
How did you hear about the Enterprising Ashfield project?
I heard about the project from our L&D business partner who was in contact with Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé before I joined the business and then once I joined Svella Connect we managed to build on the pre-existing relationship.
What made you want to join the project and what did you hope to get out of it?
At first, I was skeptical about the project as it seemed too good to be true but after speaking with and they put my mind at ease and showed that the project was something to not miss out on. I was originally hoping to create brand awareness and working relationships I never thought that we would make a placement and then receive the grant, so the project exceeded my expectations.
Were there any specific challenges your business was facing going into the project?
We had the challenge of not being directly involved with local colleges and universities but since being a part of this project we have managed to attend a lot more local career events as a business to speak with future possible employees and make students aware of the telecommunications industry.
How did you find the content, pace and delivery of the programme?
I could not speak highly enough of the program as everyone involved was informative and helpful with any questions that I had, and the process was always straightforward.
What impact has the project had on your business and how what impact will it have going forward?
The project has had a positive impact by providing a talented and knowledgeable individual in our IT department who is still employed with Svella Connect and progressing well and I am hoping we will be able to make more placements like this going forward using the project.
Any other comments about the element of the project you have accessed or Enterprising Ashfield project as a whole?
With being a part of this project NTU is very good at informing you of other projects/possibilities that they are offering and we are now in the process of doing the graduate internship scheme with NTU for 2024.
Would you recommend the programme and Enterprising Ashfield to other people with their own businesses?
Certainly, I think this project is a must for any business no matter their size.
How to access the support available
If you are interested in the Enterprising Ashfield project, contact the team at enterprisingashfield@ntu.ac.uk.
