Why it matters: The event marked two years of the college's industry partnership scheme, which requires 136 participating firms to create at least three activities annually to support student progression and create valuable career development opportunities while building a talent pipeline for local industries.
Students from the college restaurant, Chefs' Whites, prepared and served a three-course meal for more than 200 guests.
Star power: Celebrities in attendance included TikTok influencer Kyle Thomas, who has over 30 million followers, and TV personality Jimmy Doherty from Jimmy's Farm.
What they're saying: Former student Mark Murphy, now CEO of Cancer Support Suffolk, praised the college: "I used to come here from the ages of 16 to 21 and to see the college now, thriving the way it is, is just fantastic."
Alumni connections: Several former students have returned as industry partners, including Stevie Sheppard, a director at Jimmy's Farm and college governor, who said: "Being a student at Suffolk Rural gave me all the skills I needed to go on and progress in my career. I've now worked in the industry for over 15 years and to come and give back to students – and to hire from our local (talent) pool is amazing."
Industry partners: Current partners include Associated British Ports, Ipswich Town Foundation, Sizewell C, Suffolk Constabulary, DanceEast, East of England Co-Op, Gipping Construction, Hudson Group and Start Build & Grow.
Leadership perspective: Alan Pease, principal and CEO of Suffolk New College, thanked partners at the event: "This is one of the highlights of the college calendar and I'm blown away by the fact that so many people took time out of their busy schedules to join us. Everyone who came along contributes to all of our learner journeys in so many different ways, and we cannot thank them enough for all of their support."
The bottom line: The annual gala dinner demonstrates the growing success of Suffolk New College's industry partnership programme in connecting students with local businesses, benefitting both learners and the regional economy.
