Why it matters: The partnership programme, launched two years ago, helps prepare thousands of local students for their future careers by connecting them directly with businesses in East Anglia.
By the numbers:
100 businesses now signed up to the programme
Each company commits to at least 3 college engagements per year
The college currently supports 3,000 young people
1,500 adults and 850 apprentices also benefit
Target of 50 more business sign-ups for 2025
How it works: Partner companies pledge to work with students throughout the year, offering insights into various industries and helping prepare them for employment. Activities include career talks, mentoring and participation in college events.
What they're saying:
"We have already been to the college and chatted to students about financial planning, getting on the property ladder and looking at budgeting," says Tony West, senior financial planner at Becketts Investment Management Group.
"It's a mutually beneficial partnership scheme. Businesses get to know and work with our learners who are their future employees, and it's become a real community," says Kayleigh Norris, partnership programme manager at Suffolk New College."
"It's important for people who are going through the education process to have access to the business world. To get to 100 partners so quickly is unbelievable," said lead industry partner, recently-appointed Ipswich Central chairman and former Suffolk New College student Steve Flory.
What's next: The college aims to expand the programme further. "Our aim is to encourage 50 more businesses to sign up in 2025 – and looking ahead, the potential for this is limitless," says Alan Pease, principal and CEO of Suffolk New College.
Bottom line: The programme creates a bridge between education and industry in Suffolk, with local businesses playing an active role in developing their future workforce while students gain valuable real-world insights and connections.
