News

First Employer Networking Breakfast of 2024

We hosted our second Engineering Employer Breakfast, on Friday, which was a great success.

Engineering employers had the opportunity to learn about our T Level and Apprenticeship provisions and how they can further support students in work placements. Engineering T Level students were invited to join and were able to network with employers and learn how they can best prepare for future employment.

Proceedings were led by Richard Brooks, Business Development and Projects Manager, who updated employers with the latest news in our education provisions at East Surrey College. Ian Edmunds, Director of Apprenticeship, also delivered a presentation on apprenticeships and Gareth Sear, Business Engagement Lead for Gatwick Airport, was invited to speak about the latest local engineering project developments at the airport.

Some of those who attended provided comments on the importance of why they attended the event:

“It’s re-awoken my interest in trying to make sure we are utilising T Level and Apprenticeship students. I've forgotten how well they are supported by the college. We are a small business, who have 25 employees, it’s really difficult to get support”

Jo Davies (Managing Director)- Broanmain Plastics

“At the end of the day it’s the employers that are looking for the skills, so we can then help steer the college in the right direction. Be it the actual technical skills they are learning or the soft skills they are missing and also provide best practice to each other”

Michael Jones (Head of Engineering Academy) - Merlin Entertainments

“I think it’s the network connections, connecting with the students face to face, identifying the impacts of curriculum and planning around work. The students have got to pass their exams and we don’t want to get in the way of that, so understanding where the touch points are and any issues we need to consider that we hadn’t thought about…”

Joanne Sismore (Learning and Development Manger) - Zarafa Group

We are continually striving to work as close as possible with employers to ensure our courses meet the needs of the industry. If you want to find out more about how your business can benefit from support from us, get in touch and contact our Business Development Team here.

Find out more about our Apprenticeship and T Level course offerings across a variety of industries and make your next steps towards a career as a qualified professional.