The Talent Retention Solution (TRS), a national web-based system, which helps match skilled employees facing redundancy to growing UK companies in advanced manufacturing and engineering, is to be expanded to include graduates and students.  

Originally, TRS was only open to those already in work and facing redundancy, but speaking ahead of today’s Confederation of British Industry Conference, business secretary Vince Cable, says: “I’m pleased that the scheme is being extended beyond those already established in the profession, to help engineering students and graduates get their big break.

“By matching people with real jobs, we are ensuring there is a pipeline of talented engineers of all levels plugging the huge demand for a skilled workforce in the sectors at the forefront of driving our recovery.”

TRS is a not-for-profit industry-led initiative and already has more than 2,200 people signed up. Sponsor companies include Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, EADS/Airbus, Siemens, Shell, Nissan and EDF. More than 500 companies are registered with the scheme.

Chair of the Skills and Jobs retention group Allan Cook, chairman of Atkins and Finmeccanica UK, says: “I hope that this enhancement will show that engineering can be a truly rewarding career. The ease of use and lack of red tape has an immediate benefit for small and medium firms, helping them to connect with the talent graduating from our world leading universities.”

For more on TRS, see Recruiter's profile of Cook here.