Member Article

Business leaders help student learning

Business leaders have teamed up with South Tyneside College to provide students with advice and business life-experience. Managers from South Tyneside Council will mentor students on the Career Academy in Finance course at South Tyneside College in order to improve their understanding of the business world.

The agreement with South Tyneside Council will see all twelve students on the Career Academy programme paired with their own partner in business, who most matches their career aspirations and interests. Students will then be encouraged to use their mentors as a resource to help with their studies, giving them a real insight into how business works outside the classroom.

To ensure the business relationships got off on the right foot, mentors were introduced to their young protégées for the first time at a special event held at the College.

Paul Fanning, employer engagement executive at South Tyneside College, said: “When pairing mentors with students, we were very careful to match like-minded individuals and it was clear that this strategy worked. Many pairs hit it off straight away and by the end of the evening were already arranging their next meeting. “For students to get the most out of their studies, they really need to see how business works in practice. This initiative will hopefully achieve that aim.”

Mark Johnson, Organisational Development Strategy Manager at South Tyneside Council, said: “We see the Career Academy as an excellent way of supporting the business leaders of the future, at the same time as giving something back to our local community. “Working closely with young and talented students like this, is also an excellent way to promote the Council as a forward-thinking and outstanding employer to potential future employees.”

Any other businesses interested in taking part in the programme should contact John Heywood or Pauline Barnes on 0191 427 3533.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .