Northallerton College
The Business of Education
Northallerton College Business Network (March 2015)
Event organised on behalf of Northallerton College.
Held on the college premises and attended by 50+ local business owners
College becomes focal point for community connections
Local companies and organisations were invited to Northallerton College for a networking event designed to strengthen links between business and education.
Northallerton College vice principal Alastair Martin told guests: “Becoming a new school is very exciting for us. Every year we have about 420 students aged 16 or 18 either enter the sixth form, the labour market or further or higher education, including top universities. We are keen to explore ways of developing more valuable links between our students and local businesses to make the most of the opportunities presented.
“There are hundreds of local businesses we would like to engage with more fully. We are ever conscious of the employability skills our students need when they leave college and how many need work experience and apprenticeships.”
Head of sixth form Bronia Harris said the college was keen to develop and enhance existing links and create new ones with businesses who could also help develop the curriculum.
“Working with employers makes such a difference to our students as what they learn in the classroom becomes real,” she said. “They would also appreciate any advice on interview techniques, preparing CVs and any mentoring opportunities.”
Hallgarth Park Asset Protection’s Elaine Richardson said: “As an ex-teacher I feel strongly about trying to help students as it can give them the opportunity to flourish.”
For Northallerton College Year 10 student Amelia Stapley, 14, the event proved a useful opportunity to network and gain advice on her dream profession of modelling.
“I was there to serve refreshments but everyone was so helpful and I got some great tips on how to take forward my hopes and dreams,” she said.
The First Monday event was organised by Gill Carnell and sponsored by Secrets of Software, Superfast North Yorkshire, Betterdaze, Hambleton Leisure, Grosvenor Stockton, Blue Box Support, Anglo Scottish Finance, Saks Northallerton, and Teesside University.
Feedback from attendees:
Another great networking event, thank you. Pat stanton, UKsBestSecret
Great Networking on Monday some new faces & great to catch up with the people on #HambletonHour too! Riverford Darlington
It was a busy night for sure, rewarding… Well lots of new connections made as is the nature of networking for sure J Mark Bonney, Reiki Relax
Feedback from sponsors:
It was an absolute pleasure. I thought it went really well. You did a great job as usual and the event was useful. Leona Walker, Super Fast NorthYorkshire
The event worked for us as we met new people and were able to show them examples of our work. Chris Cooper, Blue Box Support