As Northamptonshire’s leading provider of further education, Northampton College supports the local economy by equipping students with the skills needed to meet the demands of an ever- evolving job market.
In an era of rapid technological advancements and shifting industry requirements, the partnership between education and business has never been more crucial.
Northampton College is hosting a series of ‘Task and Finish’ employer forum events this autumn and winter, inviting local businesses to join in co-designing the curriculum and shaping the workforce of tomorrow. These sessions will not only give employers a platform to share their unique insights but will also ensure that the college’s apprenticeship provision remains relevant, producing work-ready individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in the modern workplace.
For employers, one of the biggest faced across multiple sectors is how to close the ever-widening skills gap. While Northampton College continues to deliver high-quality education, it recognises that the needs of industries are constantly evolving. By working directly with local employers, it aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace requirements, creating a workforce that aligns with business needs.
Northampton College is a key voice in the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), working towards an agreed set of actionable priorities that employers, providers and other stakeholders in the local area can get behind to drive change.
Teaching reflects the contents of Invest 2035 – the Government’s industrial strategy while the college also works closely with local employers to fully understand their requirements and ensure students not only have the technical skills needed to fulfil job roles, but the wider core transferrable skills essential for sustained employment.
The upcoming Task and Finish groups are designed to foster collaboration, with a focus on specific industries that are integral to the local economy. These sessions will provide an opportunity for employers to:
- Influence the design of the curriculum to reflect real-world challenges and industry trends.
- Review and enhance apprenticeship provision to ensure it meets the highest standard of practical training.
- Build connections with other local businesses and share best practices.
- Gain insights into the college’s resources and how it can support workforce development through training and upskilling initiatives.
Tailored sessions for targeted impact
To ensure that discussions are meaningful and focused, each group will centre on a specific industry.
The dates and topics for upcoming sessions are:
- Hospitality and Tourism: 10.30am-noon, Tuesday October 21
- Digital, Business and Finance: 10.30am-noon, Tuesday, November 4
- Early Years Care: 5pm-6.30pm, Thursday, November 6
- Construction: 8am-9.30am, Wednesday, November 12
- Engineering: 10.30am-noon, Tuesday, December 9
- Logistics: 10.30am-noon, Wednesday, January 14, 2026 (at Daventry Campus)
These forums are more than just an opportunity to provide feedback; they represent a chance to make a tangible impact on the future of Northamptonshire’s workforce. By sharing expertise and insights, businesses can help shape the next generation of professionals, ensuring they are not only technically skilled but also adaptable, innovative, and ready to contribute to the business from day one.
In return, they will gain access to a pipeline of talented, motivated individuals who are eager to grow and succeed in their chosen fields. Whether looking to fill immediate vacancies or build a long-term talent strategy, collaborating with Northampton College can deliver real results for a business.
The college encourages all local employers to join the session most relevant to their business, whether they represent a small company or a large corporation, as all input is invaluable in helping the college ensure that its study programmes are aligned with the needs of Northamptonshire’s industries.
Working together will help build a stronger, more resilient local economy by investing in the skills of the future, empowering the next generation and driving Northamptonshire’s success.
To find out more, visit their website.
