Northampton College has hailed the success of the first in a series of sector forums designed to gain employer input into the skills they are seeking in Northamptonshire's future workforce.
EMPLOYER forums geared to guiding the curriculum at Northampton College are under way.
Businesses have been taking part in discussions to co-design the college courses shaped around preparing Northamptonshire’s future workforce.
The first forum, focused on digital, business and finance, took place last month. It concluded that Artificial Intelligence will have a key role in shaping the curriculum of the future. The need for all-round basic IT skills means teaching must be relevant and up to date, using the latest software.
Debate focused on the skills students need to be successful as employees and a review of the college’s current course offer, in particular courses that would benefit businesses.
“The skills gap is a challenge faced by employers across sectors,” said Northampton College’s business development executive Yvette Witcombe. “While Northampton College continues to deliver high-quality education, we recognise that the needs of industries are constantly evolving.
“By working directly with local employers, we aim to bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace requirements, creating a workforce that aligns with business needs.”
The forum has committed to form a group comprising employers, local authorities and other stakeholders to ensure the curriculum is tailored to the needs of business. It is to investigate the importance of green AI and evaluate how to take commercial advantage of its newly opened iLab.
The college is already planning the progression pathways for its students, from full-time courses into T-Levels and apprenticeships to help both students and employers.
Other forums looking at the early years and construction sectors are due to take place this month and employers in the engineering, welding and fabrication and motor sector and those in hair and barbering will be at the college for discussions before the end of this academic year.
“As Northamptonshire’s leading provider of further education, Northampton College is committed to supporting the local economy by equipping students with the skills needed to meet the demands of an ever-evolving job market,” said its director of apprenticeships Donna Rowland.
“In a time of rapid technological advancements and shifting industry requirements, the partnership between education and business has never been more critical.”
The forum sessions offer employers a platform to share insights and help to ensure that the college’s apprenticeship provision remains relevant, producing work-ready individuals with the skills and knowledge to excel in the modern workplace.
Northampton College has been part of developing the Local Skills Improvement Plan for the region, an agreed set of actionable priorities that employers, providers and other stakeholders can use to drive change. Its teaching reflects the contents of the government’s Invest 2035 industrial strategy.
“These forums are more than just an opportunity to provide feedback; they represent a chance to make a tangible impact on the future of Northamptonshire’s workforce,” said Northampton College principal Jason Lancaster.
By taking part, employers are shaping the next generation of professionals and have access to a pipeline of talented, motivated individuals who are eager to grow and succeed in their chosen fields, he added.
He called on Northamptonshire businesses of all sizes and in all sectors to take part in the forum initiative. “Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient local economy by investing in the skills of the future. Let’s work together to empower the next generation and drive Northamptonshire’s success forward.”
To register for an event or to find out more, visit www.northamptoncollege.ac.uk
……………………………….
Stay connected with Northamptonshire business through Business Times. Join our exclusive community for the latest news, insights, updates, features and thought leadership.
Stay informed – subscribe now at bit.ly/437DsSm. Unsubscribe at any time.
