As part of the Sixth Form College’s strategic plan we recognise the importance of building and maintaining highly effective and positive partnerships with businesses in our community and beyond to support students' progression opportunities. A growing area of popularity for students progression in recent years have been apprenticeships at the higher and degree levels.
In order to support and develop our focus in this area, we recently hosted an event entitled ‘Connecting Classrooms and Careers: Apprenticeships’. The aim of this event was to identify and collaborate with businesses at various stages of their journey with regards to offering apprenticeship along with associated training providers. This gave college staff valuable insight into the skills, processes and opportunities for students seeking to move into these progression options. We were also honoured to welcome some alumni who themselves have completed or are currently undertaking apprenticeships in various fields.
We were delighted to welcome over 20 local businesses along to the session as well as being joined by Councillor Julie Hall from Rushmoor BC and Jack Hodgkins; Skills Employer Coordinator from Hampshire CC. Jack provided invaluable insight into the process and support available for companies of all sizes to offer apprenticeships along with the recruitment process for prospective students. After the presentations there were collaborative round table discussions involving business representatives, college staff and students along with training providers on topics such as ‘what advantages do apprenticeships offer students compared to traditional academic pathways?’ and ‘what skills and qualities do businesses look for in apprenticeship candidates?’.
Feedback from delegates who attended has been really positive and already we are beginning to see new initiatives in action.
Emma Hobbs, Assistant Principal for Partnerships and Progression commented, “It was wonderful to bring together local businesses, employers, staff and students to support our work on apprenticeships. We are grateful for the invaluable conversations, input, and insight that will help us to continue to shape opportunities for our students and enrich our curriculum!”
Jack Hodgkins; Skills Employer Coordinator at Hampshire County Council stated, “Speaking at Connecting Classrooms and Careers was a great chance to show how apprenticeships and skills programmes like Skills Bootcamps can benefit both students and employers. We supported local businesses in understanding the options available and helped teachers explore ways to connect education with the workplace so young people are better prepared for life after college.”.
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.
