From education to employment

Employers Broaden Derby College Group Student Horizons

Representatives from a wide range of local companies met with new Professional Construction students at Derby College Group (DCG) to outline the different career paths available to them in the future.

Students had the opportunity to talk to employers, former students and get advice on developing their CVs.

The event was organised through the college’s Professional Construction Employment and Skills Academy which brings together employers and teaching staff to co-design and co-deliver the college curriculum.

They included Greenhatch Group, GF Tomlinson, Morrison Design, Couch Perry Wilkes, Severn Trent, Seddon, Rodgers Leaks, FP McCann, YMD Boon, Bowmer + Kirkland, Stepnell, Winvic, Roe Developments, Jackson Purdue Lever and Armsons.

Many of these and other employers also provide industry visits, work experience, guest lectures and special projects to enhance the students’ understanding of the industry – which will be a vital element in the new Professional Construction T-level when it is launched in September 2020.

Former Derby College student Ethan Gaunt (19) was amongst the alumni who met the current students. 

He completed work experience at Pride Park-based engineering design consultants Jackson Purdue Lever as part of his study programme and was then offered a full time job as a junior technician.

 Ethan said: “One of the best things about Derby College is its links with industry.

“Through the Academy I got the chance of 12 weeks’ work experience with Jackson Purdue Lever. It went well and in the second year of my diploma I spent one day a week with the firm. The company took me on as a junior technician straight from college.”

Ethan’s mentor and Jackson Purdue Lever director, Stuart Lever, added: “We value our links with Derby College. We’re been working with the careers academy for several years and we’ve kept on everyone who has come to us for work experience.”

Executive Head of the Roundhouse college Liza-Jo Guyatt concluded: “We are among the first colleges to offer T-levels which will start in September 2020 in Professional Construction as well as Digital Skills and Education and Childcare.

“Work experience will be a key part of these new study programmes and our excellent links with employers will give our students a headstart on this.

“The students really enjoyed hearing more about the career options open to them in the future and we are very grateful for the valuable insight from so many local employers across the professions.professional construction 2019 alumniDerby College alumni  Maddie Kirkman who now works for Roe Developments; Suzanne Butler, Morrison Design; Liam Cleary, Winvic; Ethan Gaunt, Jackson Purdue Lever; Alisha Jhangeer, from Armsons


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