Former students also praise educational establishment during celebration of industry partnership scheme
Almost 200 guests attended the annual Suffolk New College industry partner dinner.
The event was a thank you to the 136 companies who have agreed to formally work with the educational establishment as industry partners.
Set up two years ago, the innovative scheme sees firms in and around East Anglia commit to work with the college for the benefit of students.
All companies pledge to create a minimum of three activities a year that will support learner progression.
Current supporters include Associated British Ports, Ipswich Town Foundation, New Wolsey Theatre, Sizewell C and Suffolk Constabulary.
During this occasion, a three-course meal was prepared and served by learners who work at the college restaurant called Chefs’ Whites.
Celebrities who came along included Kyle Thomas, an influencer who has over 30 million followers on TikTok and TV star Jimmy Doherty from Jimmy’s Farm.
Some partners included former students such as Mark Murphy – the broadcaster, media guru and CEO of Cancer Support Suffolk.
Just before the dinner, Mr Murphy was asked what Suffolk New College meant to him. On this, he said: “I used come here from the ages of 16 to 21 and to see the college now, thriving the way it is, is just fantastic.”
Another former learner was Stevie Sheppard – a director at Jimmy’s Farm and college governor. In terms of his thoughts on Suffolk New College, Stevie said: “Being a student at Suffolk Rural gave me all the skills I needed to go on and progress in my career. I’ve now worked in the industry for over 15 years and to come and give back to students – and to hire from our local (talent) pool is amazing.”
Jennifer Leeder is a partner and Head of Family Business at Birketts. Jennifer said: “Having an involvement and connection with a college on our doorstep, to help students progress their careers and engage with us is fantastic.”
During this event, Alan Pease, the principal and CEO of Suffolk New College thanked all of the partners for backing the college. He said: “This is one of the highlights of the college calendar and I’m blown away by the fact that so many people took time out of their busy schedules to join us (for our gala dinner). Everyone who came along contributes to all of our learner journeys in so many different ways, and we cannot thank them enough for all of their support.”
And Kayleigh Norris, has been instrumental in helping the industry partner scheme get off the ground. The head of careers and employer engagement for the college said: “It was an amazing night – and we are so grateful to all of our partners.”
