A college in Kent has received widespread praise after launching a series of highly successful Employer Advisory Boards across key industry sectors.
The initiative, introduced by the Principal of EKC Folkestone College, part of East Kent Colleges Group (EKC Group), aims to strengthen collaboration with local employers and ensure the curriculum reflects real workforce needs.
The sessions were developed following a well-received employer engagement event earlier this year, which was commended by MP Tony Vaughan.
Building on that momentum, Clare Brown, principal of EKC Folkestone College, established the panel discussions to give employers a direct voice in shaping future skills provision.
Each Employer Advisory Board brings together sector-specific employers for courses offered at EKC Folkestone College. These include catering, construction, hair and beauty, sports, health and social care, early years, multimedia and virtual gaming design.
During the sessions, college leaders, curriculum staff and industry experts explore how the curriculum can evolve, what skills gaps are emerging and how students can be better prepared to enter industry.
The sessions also provide a valuable platform for employers to talk with the college about work experience opportunities and other forms of support to students, such as delivering guest talks or hosting site tours.
Tony Collins, operations director for Park Farm Construction of Jenner Group, attended the construction-focused Employer Advisory Board earlier this year and highlighted the importance of the initiative.
He said: “The Employer Advisory Boards give us, as employers, the opportunity to input and advise on the curriculum. If we do not get behind the students and the next generation now, the skills gap in 10 or 15 years’ time could be irreversible.
“These discussions allow us to meet different suppliers and different companies, and all work together towards the same goal. These will certainly help us going forward.”
Clare Brown added: “The Employer Advisory Boards are important as they enable the College and employers to work constructively and in a structured manner, so that we can develop students to meet the needs of industry, thus creating a clear progression pathway from education into employment.
“Employers can input into the curriculum through the review of the units taught, guest lecturing, and industry placement experience – our curriculums have some flexibility so we can align them with what industry needs.
“This also means our students will develop industry-led knowledge and skills, so that they can progress into employment or higher-level training.”
EKC Group is now encouraging more employers across Ashford, Broadstairs, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and Sheppey to get involved.
Any businesses interested in supporting curriculum development, offering placements, or engaging with local students are invited to contact their nearest EKC Group college.
