New College Tackle Youth Unemployment with Employability & Enterprise Event

On Tuesday 11th November, 67 students from New College Swindon were given the opportunity to develop new business ideas with the support and advice of volunteers from a range of Swindon-based employers.

With the help of Nationwide, BMW, Intel, Quick Learn Limited and London Oxford Airport the students worked in teams to create innovative new products or services. 

The company behind the event, Working Knowledge is passionate about creating chances for young people to open doors into employment and changing employer’s perceptions of the value of young people in industry. 

Every year Working Knowledge ensures thousands of students get an opportunity to learn from and build contacts with hundreds of local employers. Employers have offered jobs, work experience or apprenticeships as a result of meeting young people at Working Knowledge events.

99% of all volunteer business experts agree that Working Knowledge events ‘prepare young people for the workplace’ and develop students’ employability skills such as communication, presentation, teamwork and general business knowledge.

Tom Clinning, Senior Treasury Operations Officer at Nationwide volunteered his time alongside 20 other business experts: “It was uplifting and worthwhile to give something back. Anything that can help young people in life is important.”

Alfie, a New College student who took part in the enterprise event also commented: "The Business Volunteers taught me what employers look for in a CV. I also observed how they acted and will try and act in a similar way. The event has made me more confident and determined to get a job."

Chris Baish, Adult Education Manager at New College commented: "It was great to see the innovation and creativity that our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) students demonstrated in their business proposals and products. I think we can all be reassured knowing that these are future business leaders and entrepreneurs in the making. We're very proud of their energy, commitment and professionalism and pleased to show our continued support of the STEM agenda in Swindon, which is so important to the growth of the economy."