A former student who attended this event, who set up his own business and now helps clean college, says the educational establishment ‘is in my heart’
Suffolk New College held its annual industry partner dinner and celebrated the fact that over 200 companies have signed up to support students throughout the year during an event in Ipswich.
Set up three years ago, the innovative industry partnership scheme sees firms in and around East Anglia commit to working with the college for the benefit of learners. All companies pledge to create a minimum of three activities a year that will support learner progression.
Alan Pease – the CEO and Principal of the college, which has four campuses in Ipswich, Otley, Halesworth and Leiston – reflected on the last 12 months and thanked everyone for the support in front of an audience comprising of around 150 guests.
He said: “It is an honour to be the Principal and CEO of this wonderful college. It’s been an exciting year, and thanks to your contribution, we are now a multi-award-winning college. We have collaborated with over 700 companies in the past 12 months, and now over 200 of those are industry partners.
“The last year has been outstanding. We were visited by the Prime Minister, we are in the process of opening a major new adult learning centre in Ipswich, and we are building a new ‘College on the Coast’ thanks to investment from Sizewell C.
“A sincere, profound appreciation to everyone for standing right by our side to help ensure the next generation has the best opportunity to progress their lives for the better.”
Mr Pease then introduced former BBC radio favourite Mark Murphy, himself a former motor vehicle student at Suffolk College.
Mr Murphy – the CEO of Cancer Support Suffolk – reflected on his time as a Suffolk College motor vehicle student and also promoted an upcoming fashion show that will be taking place in the main annex of Suffolk New College’s Ipswich campus, where students and staff will take to the catwalk on Friday 12 June.
Also on the night, the 201st business to agree to work with the college praised the impact that the place has had on his life.
George Pennell – owner of Vivo Clean – said: “It is great to give something back to the youth of today.”
The former sports student continued: “The college means a great deal to me. I spent a long time here, came back to do a maths GCSE, and now my business has recently cleaned the windows here. All roads seem to lead to Suffolk New College – and the place is very much in my heart.”
Another industry partner was Nora Cherneva, a business development executive at Larking Gowen. She said: “I’ve been involved with the college for a while – and it gives me satisfaction to give something back to the community and support the future talent pool.”
Becky Crevald is a Consultant for A&S Recruitment who specialise in shipping and logistics. Becky said: “We signed up (as a partner) when we had about 50 businesses involved – and now there is over 200.
“Through my involvement, we’ve managed to get logistics put into the business curriculum, and that is just astonishing.”
In terms of the college, she added: “It is an amazing place because they (staff) listen and take on board what local employers want. They are open minded, forward thinking, engaging – and it is so refreshing for an educational establishment to be like this.”
Roland Gilbertson from Outstanding Futures. He said, “I have a close connection with the college, and it feels natural to come back and support young people going forward. The transformation (at Suffolk New College) has been remarkable – so it’s great to work with them and help the next generation.”
Lead Industry Partner is Steve Flory, Ipswich Central Chair, and managing director of Hudson Signs. Steve announced some exciting news about how the college will be helping to create a festive themed area in Ipswich town centre this Christmas and said: “Thank you very much for supporting us.”
Also, during this event, the college handed out three special awards to partners. An individual champion award went to Becky Crevald from A&S Recruitment. The innovative project of the year accolade was given to SHE French, Harmonious Society and KLH. And Ceetech received a trophy and were crowned Apprenticeship Employer of the Year.
Music student George Eales performed songs during a drinks reception.
A video about the industry partner scheme can be viewed via this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgpuM7y1tAo&t=1s