Bath College is setting up a business academy to give students valuable industry experience at top companies across the region.
More than 30 companies have been invited to attend the launch of the Bath Academy of Business at Bath College next Thursday (Sept 29).
The evening will bring together potential partners and students who will hear about the college’s vision for the academy.
Companies are being asked to support students to gain experience in legal practice, HR, event management, retail, business administration, management and finance.
In turn, the Bath Academy of Business aims to boost the local economy in Bath by creating a talent pipeline for companies to recruit from.
The college has 4,000 students in full-time education, including 82 studying business, international business, and business accounting and finance at BTEC Diploma Level 2 and Level 3. The college also offers a HNC and HND in business (Level 4 and Level 5).
Head of the Business, Media, Music and Performing Arts department, Jon Domaille, pictured, said: “We are incredibly excited about this venture. Throughout the last two years, we have significantly developed our engagement as a department with the world of business, enhancing our student experience significantly.
“The academy is the next step for us. It will offer a unique environment for learners to study business within a challenging, competitive, innovative and aspirational setting.
“It is an invaluable opportunity for staff to engage with industry, ensuring that we are providing our learners with up to date and relevant skills that employers want and need.”
Companies attending the launch include Sirona Care & Health, social housing provider Curo, law firm Royds Withy King and the Bath Spa School of Business.
There will be time for networking in the Futures Hub and a short talk outlining the college’s vision for the Bath Academy of Business.
Bath-based company Cognisess, which streamlines selection with time-saving features such as job pages, real time analytics and profiling tools, has already signed up to support the academy. As part of this it will provide online games for students to play to improve their cognitive skills throughout their course.
Cognisess founder and CEO Chris Butt said: “Cognisess is very excited to be partnering with Bath College and supporting the launch of the Bath Academy of Business.
“It is a truly innovative step in supporting students throughout their time at the college with both personal and employability skills needed for the workplace.
“Our platform will work with students to understand, track and improve these skills so when they complete their course they will be able to compete in the jobs market.
“Each student will receive a Cognisess profile showcasing their talent and potential – helping employers find the right person.”
Employability adviser Lucy Beattie works with the Futures Team to create employability opportunities for Bath College students.
She said: “We’re looking for employers to give students an insight into what it’s like to work for them by offering work placements, company visits and student mentoring.
“Some businesses might come in once a year to offer their expertise and others might take people on a rolling placement, developing a long-term relationship with students.
“We will be working to make the partnership suit the business and develop our students’ full potential.”
The Bath Academy of Business launch is from 5.30pm on September 29 in the Futures Hub, Roper Building, Bath College, Avon Street.
To attend, e-mail Lucy.Beattie@bathcollege.ac.uk
