New College Swindon won the TVCC Education and Business Partnership Award. The award celebrated and recognised schools, further education colleges, universities and training providers that engaged effectively with business. The black tie event took place at The Hilton Hotel Reading and was hosted by five-time Olympian, World, European and Commonwealth Champion, Mark Foster.
Up against Activate Learning, Learning to Work and Slough Aspire, New College was recognised for effective engagement with business. Judges applauded New College on the effectiveness of the work they do with businesses to help pupils gain an understanding of the world of work, while developing the crucial employability skills that employers value.
New College has continued to grow provision in business services, while maintaining their high standards of quality. Their dedicated business services unit, Fast Forward, meets business needs via apprenticeships, professional, vendor qualifications and customised training to meet workforce development needs.
Through the generosity of local businesses the College is able to offer many work experience opportunities, both paid and unpaid, with a strong focus on developing employability skills. The teaching of these skills is an integral part of the 16-18 programme, which includes communication, interview techniques, CV writing, personal finance, presentation skills, IT and work experience. GCSE Leaners are also introduced to aspects of business and finance, the College recently hosted workshops led by Waitrose, Nationwide and Swindon Borough Council for over 300 GCSE students.
In the last two years New College has made significant investment in infrastructure and systems to support employer engagement. They have formed partnership with Risual, a Microsoft Gold partner, to expand the Digital Apprenticeship offer, as well as developing the Financial Academy, involving local businesses from SMEs through to large multinational organisations.
Principal Graham Taylor commented: “We are delighted to have won the award; it’s a fantastic recognition of all of the hard work that the Fast Forward team put in to ensure they are offering the best possible service to employers. As a result of these partnerships we are able to offer an increasing range of high quality apprenticeships, professional and vendor qualifications. We must never lose sight of the fact that the employer is central to us achieving the aims and aspirations of our learners, whilst preparing them for the workforce of tomorrow. Close links with business are essential to this success.”
