Local employers invited to help shape the region’s future workforce 

Businesses across Staffordshire and the West Midlands are being invited to help shape the skills of the region’s future workforce as South Staffordshire College prepares to host its Skills Advisory Panels later this month.

Taking place at the end of November, the Skills Advisory Panels will bring together employers and college teams to discuss the skills, knowledge and experience businesses need from people entering their industries.

While further education qualifications benefit from employer input at a national level, South Staffordshire College also wants businesses within the communities it serves to have a direct voice in shaping its curriculum, helping to ensure students leave college with the skills local employers need and can make a positive contribution from day one.

John Adams, Assistant Principal for Commercial and Employer Engagement, said: “Local employers understand the skills their industries need, both now and in the future. Our Skills Advisory Panels give businesses an opportunity to share that knowledge with us and influence what we teach. By working together, we can make sure our curriculum keeps pace with industry, gives students the skills employers are looking for and helps businesses develop the local talent they need to grow.”

Employers taking part can also build closer links with college staff and students, receive updates on relevant funding opportunities, and connect with students who could become their future employees.

Local businesses of all sizes are encouraged to get involved, whether they already work with the college or are making contact for the first time. No previous experience of working with education is needed; it is employers’ knowledge of their industry that matters.

The next Skills Advisory Panels will take place from 2pm to 4.30pm on:

• Monday 23rd November at Lichfield College
• Tuesday 24th November at Cannock College
• Wednesday 25th November at Rodbaston College
• Thursday 26th November at Tamworth College

To learn more and to book a place on a Skills Advisory Panel visit https://www.southstaffs.ac.uk/employers/