Harrogate College

What is the Harrogate College Employer Network?

Harrogate College Employer Network (HCEN) was created to bring together local employers with the college to help shape the skills required for young people to be successful, provide strategic advice and direction on the future design of our curriculum, improve student understanding of each sector and job roles, and develop employability skills. It also aims to update staff skills on emerging sector practices and engage employers in learner activities.

The economy is changing rapidly and employer needs are evolving. Every sector is undergoing a transformation and we want to address the disconnect between employer needs, the skills being taught and the qualifications being awarded.

The Skills for Jobs White Paper requires colleges to review how well the education or training provided by the institution meets local needs so this is a clear steer towards an employer-led approach and our collaborative partnership with the HCEN helps to ensure that the college remains a forward-thinking organisation, supporting current and future generations of young people to be successful in their chosen careers and equally, supporting longer-term economic growth and productivity in the district.

The network was formed in October 2021 and in June 2023 we had grown to over 100 members Milestone for Employers Network

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Why should you join?

For employers that join the network, we can provide you with:

The chance to influence the content of college courses so you get the skilled people you need
Direct access to students that have had the training you helped design, to fill recruitment gaps
Free training opportunities for yourself and your staff
Networking opportunities with other local businesses
Free advertising across the college’s media platforms

Ways you can help us

Talk to us about gaps in our courses, new developments within industry and missing knowledge of staff so we can help to fill those gaps
Attend college events to support our younger generation
Use us as a training provider for your own staff
Consider taking students on placements or apprenticeships, being a guest speaker in college or supporting us with keeping our staff’s industry knowledge up to date

A network that sets the college apart

One of the network’s many businesses is Boroughbridge-based ATM Ltd – contractors in vegetation management, fencing, landscaping and ecology. HR administrator, Kelly Thomas, said: “We appreciate and support the working relationship we have with the college and its employers’ network.

“We have worked out that the best way to grow our workforce is by identifying someone who has an interest in our industry, investing in their development, and nurturing their progression.

“We aim to do this through apprenticeships and encouraging those leaving college to consider a career at ATM – and that’s where the network comes into its own, and sets Harrogate College apart from others we work with.”