The Sheffield College’s student programme expands as more employers sign up

The Sheffield College’s employer skills academies inspire students to get the sector knowledge, practical experience and qualifications to go further in their careers.

The college has partnered with local, regional and national organisations to create the programme, which launched four years ago. This academic year, the college has welcomed Kinetic Solutions Group, LivingCare, Reach Studios and GB Hair to the scheme.

Angela Foulkes, Chief Executive and Principal, The Sheffield College, commented: “It is fantastic to see the programme grow. We are delighted to welcome more top employers. Their knowledge and industry expertise are enhancing students’ learning and skills and helping them to go further.”

The new employers were welcomed at a celebration event at City Campus, Granville Road, on 5 December 2023. Speakers included Eliza Hickey, Engagement Lead, Greene King, and Ryan Connolly, Client Services Director, Highlander.

Currently, there are 23 employer skills academies backed by 19 employers covering sectors ranging from animation and special effects, business and enterprise, catering and hospitality, and construction to digital, engineering, games, hairdressing and professional make-up, and healthcare.

Each academy has its own designated space within the college that is branded by the employer sponsor, creating a professional business environment for students.

Employers co-design the curriculum to simulate real-life work and provide masterclasses, projects, workplace or industry relevant visits and placements to enhance students’ employability skills. During the last year 1,150 students have taken part in 145 employer-led masterclasses, projects, workshops, site visits and placements.

Other employers supporting the programme include Barclays, City Taxis (Veezu) Highlander, MSK, Greene King, Force Contracts, Work-Wise, Kier Construction, Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, NextGen, Screen Yorkshire, Kryolan, and Hew Coaching and Development.

Rachel Topliss, Director of Student Employability Services, The Sheffield College, added: “Working with employers, we have achieved some phenomenal student successes. Employers are able to find and mould the talent of the future to meet local skills needs and we look forward to growing the programme.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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