A NUMBER of graduates have been hired in recent months thanks to grants from Worcestershire County Council that were launched to help businesses recover from the effects of COVID-19.

Among those graduates is Emily Bratt, who recently received a first-class degree in Geography from the University of Worcester and has since been hired by local tech start-up, DronePrep.

Based on Malvern Hills Science Park, DronePrep offers technology and consultancy services to allow drone pilots to search for landowners to find places to fly responsibly.

Despite needing Emily’s skills, the DronePrep team could not afford to employ her full time until they discovered Worcestershire County Council’s Here2Help Graduate Development grant.

The company was awarded £10,000 which has resulted in Emily being offered a full-time position that involves working on several projects for NHS medical drone delivery trials throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Councillor Ken Pollock, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member with Responsibility for the Economy and Infrastructure, said: “DronePrep is a great example of how we can support local businesses to help create jobs even during this difficult period.

“I would encourage those looking to hire a graduate to consider the Here2Help Graduate Development grant, which has enabled numerous businesses across the county to create brand new opportunities for several talented young individuals.”

Claire Owen, Co-founder of DronePrep, said: “We knew Emily would be a valuable asset to our company but as a very early stage start-up we wouldn’t have been able to offer her full-time employment without the support from Worcestershire County Council.

"Emily is a perfect fit for our company, and we are incredibly grateful for the timing of the grant.”