Students build employer networks

Employers from across the region came together to mark National Careers Week at an event at the Academy for Sport. The event – Bridging the Gap – was set up to build stronger connections between members of the business community and our students.

Journalist Charlie Charlton kicked things off with an employer panel debate which explored the benefits of connecting with our students and how having this insight and experience can be vital to an organisation’s success.

Panel member Lynsey Tate from Great Run Company said: “We’re proud to partner with Gateshead College to help to inspire the next generation of creative talent. We’ve had the privilege of welcoming two students on work experience as well as giving an industry talk sharing insights into the creative sector and the inner workings of our film production company, FilmNova. Looking ahead, we’ll be collaborating with media and marketing students on some live commissions. These opportunities not only give us extra resource, ideas and a different point of view, but are an invaluable way for students to gain experience and build their portfolios.”

The panel also included Ray Laidlaw from Sunday for Sammy, whose recent show launch featured more than 50 creative students including dancers at metro stations and the South Shields Ferry, business students as part of the event management team and TV and media students operating as the film crew.

Alongside Ray were Paula Harrison from Layers Studio and Dr Lucy Reynolds from We Are All Disabled who spoke about how everyone has something to offer, regardless of any seen or unseen disability.

All have offered work experience, consulted on curriculum, commissioned work or employed apprentices.

Principal David Alexander said: “It’s our responsibility as a college to find as many opportunities as possible to connect our students with the world of work so they are in the best position to get a job or apprenticeship when they leave us. By giving them this kind of access to employers, we’re helping them to build essential work ready skills such as communication and problem solving. But perhaps more importantly, we’re helping them to start to build a network and engage with professional people that they may not otherwise come into contact with.”

The event also included two interactive sessions; Speed Networking and an Ultimate Workplace Challenge which saw employers and students working together to solve a shared problem.

“I’d like to say a massive thank you to all the employers who gave their time to be part of this event today. It wouldn’t be a success without their input and I hope that by seeing the talent we have in the room, even more choose to work with us in the future.”