Business Engage Profiles Employer engagement team helping to futureproof workforces

Coventry College is providing tailored support to businesses across the area, helping them to overcome skills gaps and futureproof their workforces.

The college has an experienced and dedicated Employer Engagement team which supports businesses with everything from spotting new talent and employee recruitment to bespoke training for current staff.

The team also conducts regular Skills Panel Meetings with employers and stakeholders to gain key industry insights, identify skills gaps and ensure the college’s curriculum is designed to continuously align with the local, regional and national jobs market.

One of the team’s most recent successes was introducing and delivering an accredited NOCN Level 2 Damp & Mould course to front line Citizen Housing staff in-line with new government guidelines.

The college worked with Citizen Housing to ensure the course met its needs, with staff being upskilled to help reduce the risk of damp and mould in their tenanted properties. Based at the newly-refurbished Employer Hub at the college, the Employer Engagement team also includes industry placement specialists who support students with finding suitable placements in workplaces which relate to their areas of study.

The team works closely with employers from start to finish, and the placements not only benefit the students, but provide businesses with the opportunity to help develop future workforces, tap into new talent and ensure that students develop the soft skills they are looking for.

Emma Ingram, Head of Employer Engagement and Sales at Coventry College, manages the team.

Emma said: “We are proud to work alongside such a strong network of employers and are continually listening to locally-based Coventry and Warwickshire businesses to accommodate their training requirements.

“This could be upskilling workforces via the college’s suite of courses, including distance learning options, or developing the next generation of employees by delivering Skills Bootcamps and Into Employment programmes.

“Going forward, we fully appreciate the challenges local businesses continue to face, and we at Coventry College are committed to supporting their future training requirements and helping them build a sustainable workforce for the future.

“We want to build on the great working relationships we have created with employers and are keen to support any local business who may be seeking to recruit new staff, provide a work experience placement or are looking for a tailored training programme.

“Our broad curriculum means that we can work with any business of any size to meet their needs and help them to thrive.”

The college is also actively supporting SMEs via an Innovate UK-funded project where dedicated Business Development Advisors Beth Craine and Anisha Bahia are available to help drive business growth. For more, visit www.coventrycollege.ac.uk/innovate

Business looking to find out more details about accessing training can contact Employer Engagement team at employers@coventrycollege.ac.uk or by calling 02476 791700.