As young people complete their studies at college or sixth form, they also have to consider their future options in terms of higher education and employment. It’s vital to ensure that students feel able to make an informed decision and who better to support them with this than those currently working within their chosen sector?
Talent United is Barnsley College’s employer engagement scheme, which aims to bridge the gap between education and employment by providing students with employer-led opportunities. By creating partnerships with local, regional and now even international companies and individuals, the College is able to provide unique, bespoke and engaging opportunities to students. This includes everything from guest speakers and workshops to industry placements and apprenticeships. So far, students have visited Sheffield Theatres, experienced workshops from numerous partners, heard inspiring entrepreneurial talks during Global Entrepreneurship Week and much more.
As part of the program, Jess Widdowson (Enterprise Team Leader at Barnsley College) and her team provide Talent United employer partners with a range of exclusive benefits and discounts. These include free use of the College’s Hub Space for training and events, discounted and free courses and invites to exclusive events hosted by Talent United such as bi-monthly networking. Jess said “We are privileged to have such dedicated employer partners, all of whom are actively involved with the College. This is very much a two-way relationship, providing students with meaningful engagements with employers, employee’s and the workplace whilst offering businesses an opportunity to develop their staff and join a network of like-minded people”.
In October, Talent United released their new program of partner-led Masterclasses. These sessions run throughout the academic year, cover a variety of topics, are all delivered by a Talent United partner and are free to attend. The first Masterclass was delivered in October this year, and was led by Brett Riley-Tomlinson, owner of Novus Marketing Solutions. The session demonstrated how delegates could make high quality video content using a mobile phone. Subsequent Masterclasses have focused on themes including self-discipline, how to create engaging presentations using augmented reality and successful money management. Events are scheduled into the New Year and are bookable through Eventbrite.
The next Talent United Masterclass is entitled “Business Growth: The Top 3 Things You NEED to be doing” and will be delivered by Becky Stevenson on the Wednesday 5 February in The Hub Space at Barnsley College’s Old Mill Lane campus.
Reserve your place via Eventbrite:
To find out more about Talent United or to become a Talent United partner please contact talentunited@barnsley.ac.uk.
