Lewisham College recently hosted a series of successful Employer Advisory Board (EAB) meetings, bringing together influential leaders from various sectors, including Construction, Hospitality, Early Years, Business and Finance, Healthcare, Creative, IT and Digital, and Sports.
The goal of the EAB meetings is to improve learners' job prospects and address skills gaps in these industries by aligning the College's educational programmes with the evolving demands of the UK job market.
Key employers who participated in the meetings included Better Gym (GLL), IHG Hotels, NHS Trusts, Millwall Community Trust and Lewisham Council. Along with other industry experts, these stakeholders provided valuable insights to influence the development of strategies to ensure learners have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen fields.
Lewisham College's commitment to enhancing employment opportunities and fostering industry partnerships was evident throughout the EAB meetings. The College engaged with 134 organisations, involving 150 contacts, of which 64 were new businesses.
Jamie Stevenson, Principal at Lewisham College, said: "The insights gained, and the partnerships formed during these discussions will significantly benefit our learners and bolster our current and future curriculum. This initiative demonstrates Lewisham College's dedication to providing learners with the best opportunities to succeed in their careers and to impact the wider community and organisations positively."
Shirish Chauhan from Total WSI Solutions, attended the IT and Digital EAB meeting. He said: "The IT & Digital advisory board meetings play an invaluable and constructive role, forming an indispensable link between colleges and the business community. In today's workforce, IT and digital skills are fundamental, and these boards offer a strategic platform for employers to collaborate with Lewisham College. This collaboration facilitates curriculum development and ensures that college leavers possess the requisite skills. These highly productive meetings are essential for preparing a future workforce that is well-equipped and attuned to the evolving needs of industry."
Lewisham College is dedicated to facilitating productive discussions with industry leaders and implementing innovative ideas and strategies discussed at the EAB meetings.
The next EAB meeting focusing on the Hair and Beauty sector will be hosted on Thursday 3 October from 12pm to 2pm. To learn more about the EAB meetings and to get involved, please visit lewisham.ac.uk/employers.
