Business and Employer Links

As part of your course, you will have the opportunity to work with specialists in your subject area through the College’s extensive links with employers. You will see how the subjects you take can lead to careers in the world of work, either through the College’s work placements programme, visits to employers or by attending talks.

Each subject area has links with employers, both local and further afield. The college is celebrating new partnerships with global technology companies Cisco and Softcat, specialising in IT networks, applications and cyber-security. Other notable examples are Volvo, BMW (Engineering) and Leander and Henley Rowing Clubs, the Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club, Reading Rockets Basketball and Henley FC for Sport. Other partnerships include hospitals and medical care facilities, the armed forces and emergency services, theatres and media companies, as well as local newspapers and publishing companies, where students taking humanities subjects have the opportunity to find out how stories produced for public consumption are written up, edited and published.

At Henley we understand the importance of developing and nurturing employability skills in our students to prepare them for their future careers. Research shows that in addition to formal qualifications, employers actively seek a specific range of skills in potential employees that will help them to succeed in their chosen field. This includes teamwork, problem solving, leadership, organisation, communication and presentation skills, as well as motivation, resilience, initiative and enterprise.

Student Profile

Rhiannon secured a highly sought-after degree apprenticeship with Cisco. “In July I will start on a degree apprenticeship with Cisco, studying a BSc in Digital and Technology Solutions as well as gaining other professional qualifications. Whilst at The Henley College I thoroughly enjoyed all my courses. My teachers were all incredibly supportive during my two years at the college and I know that I will keep in contact with them in the future. Before I even started at The Henley College I had wanted to achieve an apprenticeship with Cisco after having a tour of their Feltham office in year 10, doing work experience there in year 11 and then again in year 13, so I am extremely proud of myself for achieving my goal. The application process itself was very enjoyable too, so I recommend to other people thinking of what to do next year to apply for an apprenticeship. Even if you do not get the apprenticeship the experience is invaluable.”

Rhiannon came to The Henley College from UTC Reading and studied A levels in Economics, Politics and English Language and Literature, as well as an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).