‘Tapping into Talent’ conference26th March 2012

Jacky Isaac -Human Resources Director

Agenda

• About the Ricoh Arena

• Our strategy

• Influencing youth engagement

• Our partnerships

• Initiatives

• Conclusions

About us

• A fast-growing leisure, entertainment and sport venue in the West Midlands

• Opened in 2005 the project was seen as a catalyst for urban and economic regeneration and job creation.

• Owned by Coventry City Council and the Alan Edward Higgs Charity, a regeneration charity.

The Ricoh Arena is….• 32,500 capacity stadium, rented to

Coventry City Football Club 25 days a year

• The stadium’s capacity increases to 40,000 for major concerts

• 15,000m2 of conference and event space including a 6000m2 exhibitionhall

• An Olympic 2012 football venue• Host venue for Rugby World Cup

2015• Over 7 million visitors in 6 years• On site De Vere hotel• On site casino

Our strategy• Small stadium management

team

• Long-term contracts with premium partners for outsourced services

• High profile sponsors - key relationships

• On site tenants

• Involvement with the local community

How could we influence youth engagement?

• Engaged our partners, sponsors and tenants

• Senior Team involved in the local community

• Seek and support local initiatives

Developing partnerships with:

Initiatives

• On-site De Vere Academy• Recruiting and training apprentices from ‘neets’ population• Customer service and kitchen based craft skills

• Compass Group UK – service partner• 17 full time apprenticeships in last two years• Work experience for De Vere Academy students• Internships

• Ricoh arena• Business admin apprentices• Budget for 42 week internship• Innovative school work experience programme• Supporting year 10 students with course work• Mentoring and coaching with Princes Trust• Developing foundation degree with Warwickshire College

Initiatives 2

• Princes Trust – ‘Get into’ programme– ‘get into hospitality’– Two week work experience– Job ready candidates

• ‘Life beyond school’– Mapping of business skills frameworks into education– Project now in 19 schools – 6443 students engaged– Creating skills ladders– Ricoh Arena supplied skills frameworks to support project

Conclusion

• Really get involved in the local community

• Do not under-estimate the difference that you can make

• Evaluate every opportunity

• Accept that not everything you do will succeed

• Tailor opportunities to meet the need

• Celebrate success