Meet Alex, Employer Engagement Coordinator
My name is Alex Kempster, and I’m excited to be part of the Northumberland Employment Partnership and contribute towards our shared mission of driving inclusive employment and skills development across the region.
I come from a diverse background in sport, coaching, employability, and business engagement. After completing a degree in Sport and Exercise Sciences with Psychology at the University of Sunderland, I spent time travelling and coaching football across South East Asia, New Zealand, and Australia, gaining invaluable experience in youth development and community engagement through sport.
On returning to the UK, I worked as a Partnership Manager at OddBalls, a charity focused on raising awareness around testicular cancer. This role involved working with organisations such as the English FA, the RFU and a range of professional sports clubs, helping to promote health education through creative campaigns and the sale of their funky underwear.
I then moved into the public sector with Northumberland County Council, initially supporting residents into employment as an Employment Advisor on a one-to-one basis, addressing their barriers and improving their confidence. I later transitioned into a Business Engagement role, where I helped local employers connect with talent pipelines, navigate recruitment challenges, and understand how they could play a key part in reducing unemployment across the county.
Now, in my current position as an Employer Engagement Coordinator at Business Northumberland, I continue to build strong relationships with local businesses. My focus is on, to name but a few:
- Identifying skills gaps and workforce development opportunities
- Sourcing effective training and funding options
- Supporting recruitment and future-proofing workforces
- Signposting to relevant external providers that can support growth and productivity
I’m passionate about supporting both individuals and organisations to reach their full potential, and I’m looking forward to collaborating with you all as we continue to strengthen opportunities and outcomes across the region.
Please don’t hesitate to connect — I’m always keen to share ideas, explore partnerships, and learn from others in the network. Please find my details below.
Alex.kempster@businessnorthumberland.co.uk
Employer Engagement Coordinator
Business Northumberland