As Northamptonshire’s leading provider of further education, Northampton College is committed to supporting the local economy by equipping students with the skills needed to meet the demands of an ever-evolving job market. In a time of rapid technological advancements and shifting industry requirements, the partnership between education and business has never been more critical.
This spring, Northampton College is hosting a series of employer forum events, 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 insights but will also ensure that the college’s apprenticeship provision remains relevant, producing work-ready individuals with the skills and knowledge to excel in the modern workplace.
Bridging the skills gap
The skills gap is a challenge faced by employers across all sectors. 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, the college 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 also working 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 employer forums 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 forum will centre on a specific industry.
Upcoming sessions include:
Tuesday March 4 – Digital/Business/Finance: digital transformation is reshaping every sector, creating a pressing need for tech-savvy professionals. This session will explore how we can better prepare students for roles in IT, data analytics, and financial services, ensuring they have the digital skillsrequired to thrive in today’s economy.- Tuesday April 1 – Early Years: the early years sector plays a crucial role in the community, yet it faces challenges in attracting and retaining qualified staff. This forum will discuss how the curriculum can support the development of compassionate, skilled practitioners who can deliver outstanding care and education to young children.
- Thursday April 3 – Construction: with Northamptonshire experiencing significant growth and development, the demand for construction professionals is higher than ever. Employers in this session will help the college tailor its provision to produce students with hands-on experience in construction, project management and sustainable building practices.
- Thursday May 8 – Hair and Barbering: the hair and barbering industry continues to thrive, requiring a steady stream of creative and skilled professionals. This forum will explore how Northampton College can refine its training to meet the latest trends and techniques, ensuring students are ready to excel in this competitive field.
Tuesday June 3 – Engineering/Fabrication & Welding/Motor Vehicle: engineering and manufacturing remain at the heart ofNorthamptonshire’s economy. This session will focus on how courses can better equip students with practical skills and technical expertise in areas such as manufacturing, fabrication, welding and vehicle maintenance, ensuring they meet the exacting standards of local employers.
Why your voice matters
These forums are more than just an opportunity to provide feed- back; they represent a chance to make a tangible impact on the future of Northamptonshire’s workforce.
By sharing expertise and insights, you 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, you’ll gain access to a pipeline of talented, motivated individuals who are eager to grow and succeed in their chosen fields. Whether you’re looking to fill immediate vacancies or build a long-term talent strategy, collaborating with Northampton College can deliver real results for your business.
The college is encouraging all local employers to join one or more of these sessions. Whether representing a small business or a large corporation, that input is invaluable in helping ensure study programmes are aligned with the needs of Northamptonshire’s industries.
By working together, business and education can build a stronger, more resilient local economy by investing in the skills of the future, to empower the next generation and drive Northamptonshire’s success forward.
To register for an event or to find out more visit the website.
