RISE is a business support and growth scheme helping scaleups overcome barriers to graduate recruitment in Sheffield City Region.  The initiative was first piloted in 2013 by Sheffield City Council in partnership with The University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University.  From 2019-2022 RISE aims to support 200 scaling businesses to create and appoint to 330 graduate roles by giving them the tools and know-how to become successful graduate employers and retain exceptional talent in the region. 

RISE advisers start by holding quality open conversations with business leaders to understand their needs, aspirations and potential for growth to provide a bespoke solution. To improve the conversion rate of jobs advertised, graduate applications are attracted and assessed through to successful interview and appointment.  A new step has been introduced involving delivery partner Gradconsult talking through the shortlisted applicants with the potential employer. This helps the recruiter understand how to get the best from the applicants and draw out potential areas of strength, relevant attributes, and transferable skills. It also provides the employee with a short tactical masterclass in recruitment interview techniques. 

In addition, new Relationship Managers have been introduced to the programme to support growing businesses beyond the point of graduate appointment, ensuring the learning from the recruitment support is embedded and the new employee is supported to help realise the businesses growth aspirations.  This 1-1 support includes tailored support based on conversations with the business lead, including introductions to appropriate academic departments within Sheffield’s universities, connecting into Sheffield’s Innovation Programme (SIP) or via the SCR Growth Hub.  The aim is not simply for a business to employ one graduate, but to realise opportunities for growth from employing graduates and to become successful graduate employers time and time again. 

RISE [Annual Review 2021] website