Help us deliver the workforce you need
Businesses are being offered a chance to help create the workforce they need – by joining the Harrogate College Employers’ Network.
The network will be launched on Thursday 21 October when some of the biggest names from the district’s business community, including Techbuyer, will be among the attendees.
Keen to support the local economy, the college wants to hear from local employers about the exact skills they need so that it can tailor its courses accordingly.
Principal of Harrogate College Danny Wild, who will be taking part on the day, said the aim of the new network was to deliver a truly employer-led curriculum.
Tailoring courses to match the needs of our community
He said: “We value the input of local employers and believe they should help shape our curriculum so they can access the skills and training they need now and in the future.
“That is why we are launching the Harrogate College Employers’ Network.
“This is an opportunity for employers to influence the content of our courses so that they get the skilled employees they need coming through.
“We are launching this network to serve and match the needs of our community and hope lots of local businesses will join up, contribute and reap the benefits.”
A multitude of benefits
Performance and Projects Coordinator at Harrogate College, Holly Hansen-Maughan, added: “The network will be an opportunity for employers to influence the content of the college’s courses so that they are provided with what they need.
“Joining involves participating in discussion groups quarterly and brings with it a multitude of benefits, including free advertising and promotion across the college’s media platforms and events.”
Network members will also get:
- Discounts on courses for their business
- The chance to explain the skills they need, and to provide feedback on training
- Invitations to stakeholder networking events
- The opportunity to recruit students directly into their business from the courses they helped to design
The initiative coincides with the Government’s drive to ‘level up’ skills across the country, as outlined in the Skills and Post-16 Education Bill.
A key part of the Bill, as outlined by Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Gillian Keegan, is to ensure that the education and training that is on offer ‘meets the needs of employers and local communities’.
TheHarrogate College Employers’ Network launch event will run from 10am to 1pm on Thursday 21 October and include a networking buffet lunch at noon.
For more details visit Events or email: Holly.Hansen-Maughan@harrogate.ac.uk.