Here at the Sixth Form College we recognise the importance of building and maintaining  highly effective and positive partnerships with the local businesses in our community.  As well as helping to inform our curriculum, we hope that these close relationships can lead to progression opportunities for our students and development opportunities for our staff.

In order to support and develop our focus in this area, we recently hosted a joint event with the Community Matters Project as part of their series of ‘Community Minds’ networking events, entitled ‘Connecting Classrooms and Careers’. The Community Matters Project is a local charity which supports businesses in Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey to get active in their communities. The aim of this event was to identify and foster ways in which the College can work more closely with businesses in order to better support our incredible students.

We were delighted to welcome over 25 local businesses  along to the session at the College which included a series of engaging presentations and collaborative round table discussions involving both staff and students on topics such as ‘what skills do students need to develop/enhance or experience’ and ‘what things should educators be aware of to ensure that they stay industry relevant’.

Feedback from delegates who attended has been really positive and already we are beginning to see new initiatives in action.

A colleague from Redteq Analytical LTD commented  “I am passionate about helping students achieve success in entering the corporate world. I left the meeting buzzing with excitement on how we can help the students”. 

Emma Hobbs, Assistant Principal for Partnerships and Progression added, “This event offered valuable insights into the skills our students need to thrive in the workplace. We’ve also established strong connections with local employers who are eager to collaborate with us—offering opportunities such as subject advising, mentoring, workshops, and work experience for both staff and students, all amazing opportunities for our College community!”.  

Simon Jarvis, CEO of Community Matters Partnership stated on the day, “It’s really  encouraging to see so many people here today from the local business community wanting to help make a difference to the lives of the young people studying at this College now and in years to come.  One of the finest sixth form colleges in the country is saying to businesses: ‘help us to improve; help us to work with the wonderful, talented young people here who are the future workforce, business leaders and entrepreneurs’. It’s an honest plea from a truly exceptional place of education.  Working together, hand in hand we can do our young people a huge service, supporting them as they make their way from full time students into fulfilled, work ready citizens”.

If you or your business is looking to get involved in future events or collaborative opportunities, please contact Emma Hobbs by emailing ehobbs@farnborough.ac.uk to find out more.  Alternatively, complete this short form and someone will be in touch.