New Futures Programme fuses student studies with essential career skills

An exciting new programme launched at the City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College will team employers with students in relevant subject areas.

More than 50 training providers, businesses, universities and colleges from across the region attended the official launch of the Futures Programme which is set to start from September. 

College Principal Mark Kent, explained that the Futures Programme would provide Sixth Form College students with an ‘academic apprenticeship’, providing an essential link between their studies and the key skills and experiences they need to excel in their chosen subjects and career.

“Our key aim here at the Sixth form College is always to support and inspire students to make ambitious and informed choices about where they want to get to in life,” he said.

“The Futures Programme brings together our extensive curriculum with a package of additional specialist advice, support and opportunities both here at college and in the workplace, which will give them the essential skills needed for progression onto university or employment.”

From September, The Futures Programme will cover 13 career pathways in fields from creative arts to journalism, medical sciences, finance and engineering, and has already received support from employers including the Royal Bank of Scotland in Hanley, Staffordshire Police, the NHS, The Sentinel, Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Wade Ceramics.

He added: “We want employers from across the county and further afield to get involved – all we need from them is their time, energy, enthusiasm and expertise

“They can decide how they support the programme, whether that’s offering students a site visit, work experience placements, becoming mentors or giving a talk on their industry – we want to hear from them.

“They can even challenge our students to complete a specific project for their business, whether that’s our computing students building their website or our media students carrying out video or photography shoots to promote their brand.”

Sentinel Editor-in-Chief Martin Tideswell, an alumnus of the Sixth Form College, welcomed the Futures Programmes and said he had already signed up to it.

He said: “Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College will always have a special place in my heart. It was a wonderful, nurturing learning environment, which absolutely helped shape me and my career. It was somewhere I also made friendships for life.

“I have been privileged to meet some of the students who enjoy what is an inspirational state-of-the-art learning environment, and it’s great to see the college building on its reputation for providing holistic education which equips students for life.”

Businesses interested in finding out more about the Futures Programme and how they can be involved can email Rachel Basnett at [email protected]

Students interested in finding out more about the City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College can call 01782 848736 or log on to www.stokesfc.ac.uk