As the economy continues to evolve and new technologies emerge, businesses are constantly facing the challenge of finding skilled workers. In recent years, industry placements have emerged as a potential solution for businesses looking to fill skills gaps and add extra capacity to their workforce – and Northampton College is at the forefront of introducing local employers to the emerging talent on their doorstep.
Pat Brennan-Barrett, principal of Northampton College, has stressed the need for employers to embrace industry placements and incorporate students into their workforce.
She said:
“Offering industry placements can be a ‘win-win’ for both businesses and students, providing valuable opportunities for learning, skill development, and future career prospects. Vocational qualifications are designed to provide students with the specific skills and knowledge that businesses need. This means that businesses can use industry placements to fill skills gaps in their workforce, ensuring that they have the skilled workers they need to thrive.
“We need employers to step up and embrace placement opportunities, making them work for both the students and themselves. The rewards are clear, but it takes an investment in time from employers to make it a viable route. We want to support businesses and provide the help they need to be a part of this.”
The college has outlined five reasons why placements are a good option for employers:
- Access to fresh talent: placements give businesses the opportunity to connect with students who are eager to learn and bring new ideas to the workplace. This can be a great way for companies to identify potential employees and ensure they have access to a pipeline of
skilled workers. - Increased productivity: students on industry placements can help businesses to increase their productivity, as they bring with them the latest knowledge and skills that they have learned in their studies. By working alongside experienced professionals, they can also gain practical experience that can help them to become more effective and efficient workers.
- Improved reputation: companies that offer industry placements can enhance their reputation by demonstrating their commitment to supporting education and investing in the future workforce. This can be particularly important for companies that operate in industries where there is a skills shortage or competition for talent.
- Knowledge transfer: students on industry placements can also provide businesses with a fresh perspective and help to transfer knowledge and skills within the workplace. This can help to promote innovation and ensure that the company stays up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.
- Cost-effective recruitment: industry placements can be a cost-effective way for businesses to recruit new talent, as they can use the placement as an opportunity to assess potential candidates and identify those who may be suitable for future employment.
One student set to benefit from the experience gained during an industry placement is Skyelynda Davy-Clark, who is currently studying a Level 3 T Level at Northampton College in Health (Adult Nursing) having taken a break from education for two years.
She said:
“My course provides me with the right skills and knowledge I need to become a nurse. It includes an industry placement, which allows me to gain some valuable healthcare experience. Ideally, I would like to complete my placement in a hospital ward, but I will be grateful to get experience working in any clinical setting.”
Northampton College currently offers two T Levels, Health (Adult Nursing) and Childcare and Education, both of which started in September 2022. A further two are due to launch this September, with students able to gain a qualification in Digital Support Services and Management and Administration.
Businesses looking to support these courses and offer industry placements to students can get in touch with the Northampton College Business Centre on business.centre@northamptoncollege.ac.uk
