AoC podcast episodes to support with employer engagement
Connecting for Success : Developing Effective Employer Relationships - Schools
In this episode, we explore the strategies schools use to develop effective employer relationships to support T Level programmes. This discussion sets the stage for Episode 5, which focuses on General Further Education (GFE) providers.
Our guests share their experiences in developing employer engagement from the start of their T Level journeys, discussing whether these links were pre-existing or needed to be developed and highlighting the resources, such as staffing, that facilitated this process. Nicola Weekly and Craig Sams explain their approaches, emphasising that even small teams can succeed. They share strategies for maintaining ongoing engagement, stressing the importance of consistent communication and mutual benefits. The discussion covers why employer engagement is crucial for T Levels, impacting curriculum design, delivery, and providing technical support. Both guests share metrics and real-life examples of successful partnerships, resulting in positive student outcomes and programme enhancements. Finally, they offer practical advice for new T Level providers on building and sustaining productive industry links. Tune in for valuable insights and advice on fostering effective employer relationships to support T Level programmes.
This episode can be found here.
Connecting for Success : Developing Effective Employer Relationships - General Further Education
In this episode, we explore how The Sheffield College developed and sustained effective employer relationships to support T Level programmes. Our guests discuss the establishment of their Employer Academies, the role of the Chamber of Commerce in connecting with over 900 employers and offer advice on developing similar relationships. We highlight why employer engagement is vital for T Levels, covering curriculum design, equipment advice, and staff continuous professional development, with examples like masterclasses and Open Day participation. Success stories include employability programmes and the use of virtual reality for Industry Placements.
Looking ahead, new initiatives like international industry placements offer students valuable experiences, with examples such as trips to Fiji and Bali. Finally, our guests provide tips for new T Level providers on developing strong employer and industry links.
This episode can be found here.
The Employer Perspective - The Small and Medium Enterprise Perspective
In this episode, it was great to explore the potential benefits for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME’s) in supporting and promoting T Level provision.
From speaking to Tara and James we heard that as an employer, there are many different ways that you can get involved to support providers with T Levels and T Level Foundation Years. Examples included guest talks, supporting the development of employability skills and work readiness activities. These may lead onto hosting industry placements or work experience activities for students.
If after this podcast episode you are interested in finding out more, there is a range of online support for employers including practical tools and guidance, webinars, events and 1:1 advice. There is also support with regards to searching for local providers and connecting with a local school or college so you can find out more about T Levels and T Level Foundation Year pathways. It’s worth noting that if you are a large employer, there is another podcast episode that examines why they got involved and the potential benefits to a larger employer.
For further information and resources available to support you on your journey, please see relevant links in the episode notes.
This episode can be found here.
The Employer Perspective- The Large Employer Perspective
In this episode, it was great to explore the potential benefits for large employers in supporting and promoting T Level provision.
It’s worth noting that if you are a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME), there is another podcast episode that explores why they got involved and the potential benefits to an SME.
From speaking to Ray and John one of the key benefits for a large employer is the ability to increase the talent pipeline coming through which can ultimately support future recruitment. For a large regional or national employer, you can effectively develop your own work force that may help to keep talent local.
If after this podcast episode you are interested in finding out more, as Ray suggested, there is a range of support mechanisms available online including practical tools and guidance, webinars, events and 1:1 support for employers. There is also support with regards to searching for local providers and connecting with a school or college so you can find out more about T Levels and T Level Foundation Year pathways.
For further information and resources available to support you on your journey, please see relevant links in the episode notes.
This episode can be found here.
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