Coleg Gwent has launched its inspiring ‘Partnership Pledge’, aimed at strengthening industry links and engaging with local employers to help meet regional skills priorities, support student outcomes and the local economy.
The impact of Covid-19 on learners and businesses in the Gwent region has been unprecedented and as we move through the pandemic, Coleg Gwent will play a pivotal role. The college recognises that Covid-19 may change ways of work and skills demands now and into the future, and it has launched an Employer ‘Partnership Pledge’ to help support both individual learners and the region’s businesses.
The Employer Partnership Pledge will place employers at the heart of inspiring, communicating and providing information regularly for students, showcasing career pathways and progression opportunities to excite them about the world of work, and working with Coleg Gwent to help shape curriculum provision.
The Pledge aims to support employers in the South Wales and Gwent region to work more closely with the college, supporting businesses to work together with education to prepare individuals studying at the college with everything they need to succeed in the world of work.
A number of employers, from across the Gwent region attended the launch event and signed-up to support the start of the Employer Partnership Pledge. Those in attendance included Admiral, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Bryn Meadows Hotel and Spa, Celtic Manor Resort, Continental Teves UK Ltd, Nexperia Newport, Pro Steel Engineering Ltd, 104 Regiment, Royal Artillery, St Modwen Homes and Thales. The college is also looking to further expand its reach, creating an employer-led network of pledge partnerships from across a range of sectors.
Guy Lacey, Principle and Chief Executive of Coleg Gwent, said; “The vision is that our Employer Partnership Pledge will strengthen the knowledge and awareness that our students require and to know what opportunities are available to them, what skills they require and how to engage successfully with employers. It will also allow for businesses to build close relationships with our college, supporting curriculum development, and help to meet the future skill requirements of their workforce. This is critical to the success of our region and the future of our next generation”.
Admiral are one of the companies that has signed up to the Pledge, with Business Support Manager, Leanne Roberts, commenting: “Admiral has a strong relationship with Coleg Gwent and we enjoy collaborating, sharing knowledge and expertise. It’s great to see so many students developing and enhancing their talents and skills to aid their future careers. It’s important we continue to work together to develop student and employer engagement both in the short and long term.”
The Partnership Pledge will sit within the Employer Engagement Team at Coleg Gwent, which provides access to impartial support and advice for employers wishing to build relationships and establish links with the college.
Dan Coles, Director of External Engagement at Coleg Gwent, said: “The Coleg Gwent Partnership Pledge provides an excellent platform for businesses to engage with the Further Education sector and our learners in a much more coordinated and meaningful manner, that will help achieve greater outcomes for all. A key issue for the business community is the gap between young people’s awareness of the world of work and the needs of the local economy. The Pledge will provide employers with the platform to showcase the excellent opportunities and career paths available locally.”
Any employer, business or stakeholder interested in the Employer Partnership Pledge is encouraged to contact Kate Cox, Employer Engagement Coordinator by emailing [email protected]
