EMPLOYERS are working with a college to enhance the transition between education and work.
Darlington College hosted an employers’ forum in their Glasshouse Restaurant to prepare students even better for the world of work.
Feedback from businesses has already shaped some college courses, Darlington College curriculum manager for service industries and sport Maria Harrop told delegates.
“We have introduced forearm massage into our beauty courses, for instance, to take the pressure off students’ hands,” she said. “It’s a really good example of how working together can reduce staff sickness.
“So we want to hear more from employers about how we can co-design our curriculum, to enhance students’ learning, to prepare them better for work.”
The initiative has already seen more employers support the college and students with work experience opportunities, masterclasses, excellence awards and judging, interview and mentoring skills.
Maria added: “Through our redeveloped group tutorials we are helping students gain a host of soft skills, such as communications, problem-solving and team work, which will make them even more industry-ready.”
Cairn Group spa manager Victoria Jones said: “Working so closely with employers is an absolutely great idea to help smooth the transition from being a student to work. We tell the college what work life is really like and they make the adaptations and this open communications policy is really useful.”
Bannatyne Hotel general manager Alex Farnish added: “It is such a good idea. It is so important to have links between education and industry. If students don’t gain experience they go into the work environment blind.
“Now young people start work later, the gap between school, college and work has grown. So it is great for them and us to offer work experience and we have been so impressed by some students that we have kept them on.”
For more information about opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.