Shrewsbury College's agency plan raises student job hopes
A new scheme to develop the employment prospects of students by working in partnership with Shropshire businesses is set to be launched by a county college.
Shrewsbury College of Arts and Technology is trialling its new work placement programme, with a view to launching it fully in September 2014, as part of the redevelopment of the further education provider.
Known simply as The Agency, the new service will help direct students into placements which fit their abilities and plans.
Principal Steve Wain said: "We are creating a college where students come here and when they leave they are better prepared for life and for the next stage of employment or higher education.
"The way organisations deliver your curriculum is important, but allied to that people like the CBI are saying employment is about whether they are ready for work, and the disciplines that work entails."
The approach has been informed by work in America in KIPP Schools, which focus on how students develop after graduation.
"They have included things like grit, determination, perseverance, self-control and gratitude, and organised the schools around that," Mr Wain added.
"We have had some very useful discussions with local businesses around whether they would want to be involved with The Agency, by providing work experience opportunities, internships or some kind of mentoring, and have been pleased with the responses we have been getting.
"We are also talking to bigger businesses about how they would like to take a more active role in developing programmes in the agency, and larger bodies like business chambers and business boards about how they can influence its development.
"When employers contact the college, their inquiry will be dealt with through the agency and students will not be be presented to them until we are happy they have the skills required for interview or selection.
"It's the technical skills, the sense that they have mastered the mechanics of presenting themselves for interviews, and that they have the character and are ready to take the step into work."
"The college is here to serve and we have to be sure that we are meeting the needs of the local employment community."
