BUSINESS leaders have been introduced to the notion of a new school and its importance as a resource to the community.
Local companies and organisations were invited to Northallerton College for a networking event designed to strengthen links between business and education.
Northallerton College officially joins with the Allertonshire School on April 2 bringing seamless education for 11 to 18-year-olds for the first time.
The new Northallerton School and Sixth Form College will remain central to the Northallerton and Catterick School Federation, that includes Risedale Sports and Community College, Hipswell.
Northallerton College vice principal Alastair Martin told guests: “Becoming a new school is very exciting for us. Every year we have about 420 students aged 16 or 18 either enter the sixth form, the labour market or further or higher education, including top universities. We are keen to explore ways of developing more valuable links between our students and local businesses to make the most of the opportunities presented.
“There are hundreds of local businesses we would like to engage with more fully. We are ever conscious of the employability skills our students need when they leave college and how many need work experience and apprenticeships.”
Head of sixth form Bronia Harris said the college was keen to develop and enhance existing links and create new ones with businesses who could also help develop the curriculum.
“Working with employers makes such a difference to our students as what they learn in the classroom becomes real,” she said. “They would also appreciate any advice on interview techniques, preparing CVs and any mentoring opportunities.” Hallgarth Park Asset Protection’s Elaine Richardson said: “As an ex-teacher I feel strongly about trying to help students as it can give them the opportunity to flourish.”
For Northallerton College Year 10 student Amelia Stapley, 14, the event proved a useful opportunity to network and gain advice on her dream profession of modelling.
“I was there to serve refreshments but everyone was so helpful and I got some great tips on how to take forward my hopes and dreams,” she said.
The First Monday event was organised by Gill Carnell and sponsored by Secrets of Software, Superfast North Yorkshire, Betterdaze, Hambleton Leisure, Grosvenor Stockton, Blue Box Support, Anglo Scottish Finance, Saks Northallerton, and Teesside University.
