NEW APPOINTMENT SET TO STRENGTHEN COLLEGE LINKS WITH EMPLOYERS

North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) is set to be further strengthened by the appointment of a new member to its executive team. Paul Lawrence will join the college as Executive Director of Business Development and Employer Engagement with a brief to build on the organisation’s strong record of industry and education partnerships.

Paul, who is currently Director of Strategic Partnerships and External Relations at York College, is expected to take up his post in November 2022. He said, “I am delighted to be joining the team at NWSLC and very much look forward to working at the heart of the college’s continuing drive to support the business community in the context of challenging economic circumstances.

“Further education is well placed to support the UK’s recovery agenda, which is focused on enabling the economy to grow, addressing the energy crisis, and climate change emergency, and supporting the NHS.

“The economy benefits from a skilled workforce that helps to boost productivity. NWSLC provides access for employees to a range of training and upskilling opportunities such as apprenticeships, including via the Apprenticeship Levy, free online learning, and the Lifetime Skills Guarantee. The college is already making fantastic progress in its support for the automotive industry as the switch to electric vehicles gathers pace. And with a wealth of experience in training individuals for careers in health and social care, NWSLC is helping to provide a skills base for the NHS at the heart of local communities.”

Paul has a background in strategic planning and business strategy and has experience of working in the charity sector as well as in higher education.

Paul added, “I am looking forward to collaborating with businesses of all sizes to explore ways in which we can work together effectively during these times of unprecedented change. I am keen to see how NWSLC’s fantastic team and resources can add further value to its local and regional communities.”

Marion Plant, OBE FCGI, Principal and Chief Executive said, “I am delighted with the appointment of Paul Lawrence to the role of Executive Director of Business Development and Employer Engagement. We are confident that Paul will bring a wealth of experience and help us to build on our success. NWSLC has already built strong collaborative partnerships within the automotive industry, the logistics and supply chain sector and in the digital skills arena. There has never been a more crucial time to invest in skills and we look forward to widening our reach across the region as we work to support more employers than ever before.”

Employers can access help and support on training and development, the recruitment of apprentices, and advice on funding via the NWSLC website or by email [email protected]