City of Glasgow College – External review (11 March 2016)
Excellent practice
Supporting Learner Skills for Employability Through Effective Employer
Engagement
In line with the requirements of Developing The Young Workforce, City of Glasgow
College is committed to helping learners to develop skills for employment which help
them to ‘get a job, keep a job, and get a better job’. Through the development of a
number of ‘industry academies’ across the curriculum, college staff engage directly
with a wide range of local and national employers to collaborate, identify skills gaps,
and provide learners with real-life work experiences. Learners are supported well to
become work ready in their chosen vocational area through involvement in a range
of activities such as work experience, work placements, cross-curricular initiatives
and live projects set by employers. In turn, staff keep up-to-date with current
developments within their specialist field and benefit from opportunities to work
directly with employers, to jointly problem solve and address skills gaps. Companies
have direct access to current learners and newly-qualified graduates, many of whom
go on to employment as a result of prior engagement with their employer.
To date, the Industry Academy model has significantly improved the range of
opportunities for learners. It has increased the number of work placement and work
experience opportunities, guaranteed interviews, range of industry-based projects
and apprenticeship opportunities.