Students and parents want to be able to see a clear path to employment.”
EDUCATION
Students and parents want to be able to see a clear path to employment.”
Working with the likes of FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, the NHS, the British Army and Amazon, Patrick says:“ Businesses are so enthusiastic. Big employers have been particularly keen to support our students by offering meaningful experiences.” Working in tandem with its sister organisation, Innersummit Professional Services, relationships with employers have been further enhanced by the option to deliver legal, business and leadership apprenticeships and training.
The college has also developed a line-up of some 25 employers from the area – and is always looking for more- who share their time and expertise to run student interview days.
Patrick says:“ In the grand scheme of things employers ultimately want a more employable person.
“ Frequently referred to as softer skills, it is about making sure students leave with the confidence and resilience they need for the workplace, things like turning up on time with the right attitude for work. These are the things employers expect.“ This means college must be about more than learning the subjects- it’ s also learning about life.”
No longer the tiny college of its youth, today Bede operates out of a smart, purpose-built multistorey facility on Marsh House Avenue.
The college has seen recent significant investment with the development of its £ 2.4m Mark White Annexe, funded in part by the Department for Education’ s Post-16 Capacity Fund.
The college has its own sports centre, home to the college’ s specialist Institute for Sport and Education( ISE) and offering academies that enable talented young athletes to study as they excel in their sport.
Patrick says:“ ISE is now a massive part of our identity. It has been a major part of the success of the college. Similar to our approach with employers, links have been created with sports clubs and communities, building that reciprocal relationship.”
Early this year Newcastle Falcons brought their ACE programme to Bede. ACE, which stands for Academy, Colleges and Education, aims to bring rugby into the state school sector, giving further opportunities for more players to access a high level of playing and training alongside their education.
Patrick says:“ To even be considered for this, just five years after the start of ISE, is incredible recognition for the strength and reputation of the sport provision at Bede.”
As the college continues to thrive,
Patrick is keen for the community to see the achievements of the college and its students as something to be proud of.
Passionate about the area, and a Billingham dad himself, he has an affinity with the parents and an understanding of the area that he describes as,“ a form of shorthand.”
He says:“ It definitely helps. When I stand up to talk to the parents, it is very much about the community. I am talking about the area I live in, and schools my children go to.”
Looking to the future, he adds:“ I talk about a‘ resurgent Teesside’, the investment that has been poured into the area, especially in green energy, engineering, tech and science, and the health and innovation zone in Stockton.
“ I try to get the community to realise that Billingham and its surrounding area is a place that looks like it is up-and-coming. We have global businesses that are choosing Billingham and nearby areas to set up shop, and that creates massive opportunities.”
Bede Sixth Form is part of the Education Training Collective, alongside Innersummit Professional Services, NETA Training, Redcar and Cleveland College and Stockton Riverside College.
To find out more about Bede or explore employer engagement opportunities with the college visit bede. ac. uk or email bede. enquiries @ stockton. ac. uk
The voice of business in the Tees region | 29