LICHFIELD District Council has agreed to support an initiative to invest in the next generation of professionals.
The local authority will cover the cost of 16 memberships of the Future Faces Chamber of Commerce.
This year, ten have been awarded to young professionals working at local businesses including Magnaflux, The Boss Partnership, Ansons Law, Fruition Accountancy Limited and Premium Sales Consultancy.
The council is also funding six memberships for its own employees.
Future Faces, part of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, brings together professionals aged 18 to 35 from businesses and organisations across the region.
Members can take part in networking and professional development events, access mentoring opportunities and meet people at similar stages of their careers across a wide range of sectors.
Cllr Richard Holland, Lichfield District Council’s cabinet member for high street and economic development, said:
"We’ve supported Future Faces for a number of years because it provides a really valuable opportunity for young professionals to develop their skills, grow in confidence and make connections that can support them throughout their careers.
"We have some incredibly talented people starting and building their careers here in Lichfield district, and we want to encourage them to develop those careers here too.
"By funding memberships for people working in local businesses as well as our own employees, we’re investing in the skills and professional networks that will help strengthen our local workforce and economy for the future.
"Congratulations to everyone who has secured a place this year. I hope they make the most of everything Future Faces has to offer."
The ten external memberships follow an application process earlier this summer, when young professionals working for businesses across Lichfield district were invited to apply for a fully funded 12-month membership.
Sophie Poduval-Morrell, Future Faces divisional manager, said:
"We’re delighted to continue working with Lichfield District Council to open up Future Faces membership to more young professionals across the district.
"This support gives emerging talent access to a valuable network, professional development opportunities, mentoring and events that can help them build confidence, broaden their connections and grow their careers locally.
"It’s fantastic to see the council investing not only in young people within local businesses, but also in its own employees, showing a real commitment to developing the next generation of leaders in Lichfield. We look forward to welcoming this year’s cohort and helping them make the most of everything Future Faces has to offer."
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