Partner Article

College seeks business partnerships

Companies from across the North East are being invited to help students at City of Sunderland College gain leading industry certifications in IT and even have the opportunity of going for glory at World Skills 2011.

The students will be mentored by employers from the business community within the ‘Academy of IT,’ part of the Career Academies UK programme. The programme is designed to help young people raise their aspirations and prepare them for a career in the IT, Computing or Networking industry.

June Forster, Curriculum Leader for ICT & Business, said: “We are looking to enrol students onto the Academy of IT programme for September 2009 and are very excited about participating in this new and innovative national programme.

“However, for the programme to succeed we need the support of employers who would be prepared to be part of an Advisory Board to shape and sharpen the programme so that students and employers get the very best out of it. Along with the work that the College will be doing with the students, we are looking for employers who would act as mentors, be guest lecturers, offer interns and other work experience.

The college also hopes that the scheme will lead to students having the opportunity to represent the UK at World Skills 2011 in London.

June Forster added: “Hopefully, this will act as an added incentive to the business community to get involved in the programme knowing that students they have mentored get the chance to bring home a medal and to be described as truly world class.”

An event has been planned for employers to learn more about the programme, meet Career Academy and teaching staff and hear how their company could become involved and network with other local businesses. It will take place on Wednesday 1 July, 11am-1pm, City of Sunderland College.

For more information contact June Forster at june.forster@citysun.ac.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .