The Bedford College Group launches Industry Advisory Board to strengthen links between education and employers
The Bedford College Group, with campuses across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire, has successfully launched its new Industry Advisory Board, a major initiative designed to bring local employers and education leaders together to ensure students are fully prepared for the world of work and equipped with the skills industry needs now and in the future.
The launch is particularly timely, aligning with the focus on developing future talent during National Apprenticeship Week this week.
Industry Advisory Boards create a formal partnership between The Bedford College Group and employers from across the region, providing a platform to discuss curriculum relevance, workforce preparation, clear career pathways and the evolving needs of different industries. The initiative also supports the Group’s commitment to ensuring its colleges offer first-class, industry-relevant courses, facilities and teaching informed by current professional practice.
The inaugural Industry Advisory Board meeting took place at King’s House in Bedford and welcomed 100 attendees from more than 50 businesses and organisations, including Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, Bedford Borough Council, John Lewis and Kier Construction.
The event opened with a welcome address from Robin Webber-Jones, Deputy CEO and Executive Director of Curriculum at The Bedford College Group, followed by a keynote speech from Yiannis Koursis OBE FRSA, Chief Executive of The Bedford College Group. Attendees then took part in focused discussions within their specific industry sectors, alongside opportunities for cross-sector collaboration and open conversation.
The industry sectors represented on the Board include Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies; Construction, Planning and the Built Environment; Creative and Digital Technologies; the Visitor Economy; Business and Professional Services; Health and Social Care; Logistics; Life Sciences; and Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Care.
Discussions centred on ensuring curriculum relevance, preparing students effectively for employment, providing clear guidance on career pathways, meeting current and future industry needs, encouraging mixed skills and expertise, and bridging the gap between education and industry. The Board aims to give students the best possible chance of long-term success while supporting employers with a skilled, job-ready workforce.
Members of the Industry Advisory Board have committed to meeting three times a year, ensuring ongoing dialogue and collaboration that will continue to shape the Group’s curriculum, facilities and strategic direction.
Kathryn Lusk, Group Head of Business Engagement at The Bedford College Group, said: “The level of engagement at our first Industry Advisory Board shows how committed businesses are to working with us, and this Board is about listening to employers and turning that insight into action. It helps us build a stronger skills pipeline for the region, shaping training around the roles, standards and technologies that businesses are using right now and in the future.”
Justin Richardson, Chief Executive at Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, commented: “What you see through The Bedford College Group Industry Advisory Board is a group of employers who genuinely want to make a difference locally. Businesses recognise that if they want to grow, they need to tap into local talent, and this creates a real opportunity to shape the curriculum, influence skills development and connect directly with the incredible talent coming through the Colleges.
"With industries evolving so quickly, from digital to AI and beyond, having employers at the table ensures students are developing the skills that are truly relevant and in demand. By building closer working relationships, opening up work placements and creating meaningful opportunities, we can strengthen the talent pipeline, enhance businesses and ultimately build a stronger local community.
"And when it comes to apprenticeships, my advice is simple: do it. They offer real-world experience, the chance to develop valuable skills and bring fresh perspectives into the workplace; it’s a fantastic route into industry.”
Alison Loxley, Operations Manager, People, Planning & Training at John Lewis, continued: “Being part of the Industry Advisory Board is a natural extension of the work we already do to create positive social impact and build strong links between education and industry. It gives us a real pathway to collaborate with The Bedford College Group, share insight from the world of business and logistics, and help ensure what’s being delivered aligns with what employers need.
"Most importantly, it gives students genuine exposure to the workplace, not just in terms of qualifications and skills, but a real understanding of what working life looks like. For anyone considering an apprenticeship, I’d absolutely encourage it; it’s a brilliant way to build experience and a skillset that stays with you throughout your career.”
Justine Maroudias, Director of Talk UK, added: “As a local business, it makes complete sense for us to be involved with The Bedford College Group and its apprenticeship programme, because we already partner with the Group and take on apprentices, so joining the Industry Advisory Board is a really practical way to support what’s happening locally, particularly across business and professional services.
"What’s exciting is how innovative this feels; I haven’t come across anything quite like it elsewhere, and it’s a brilliant way to bring education and industry closer together. Through The Bedford College Group’s events and the chance to spend time with student groups, there’s real value on both sides. Students get exposure to what employers are looking for, and businesses can help shape learning, so it stays current and relevant to today’s workplace.
"For many young people, confidence with in-person communication, like picking up the phone, making eye contact, and handling professional conversations, is a key skill they need support with, and this kind of collaboration can really help. When it comes to apprenticeships, I think they’re amazing: they’re a genuine route into an industry early on, with real progression and opportunity, and a way to build a career without taking on university debt.”
Alistair Irvine, Head of Operations at Brinkley Aerospace, said: “I joined the Industry Advisory Board because I began my own career through an apprenticeship. I started in 2005 and spent six years training at Bedford College, so this feels like a meaningful chance to give something back. When you transition from college into the workplace, you quickly discover the things you weren’t taught once you’re dealing with real-world challenges. I want to help bridge that gap by sharing practical insight into what employers genuinely need day to day.
“What stands out about this board is the level of collaboration. It’s one of the first times I’ve been in a room with so many like-minded professionals from such a diverse range of industries, and that creates enormous potential for students. With The Bedford College Group bringing all that shared expertise and resource together, the opportunities are incredibly exciting.
“For anyone considering an apprenticeship, I’d strongly recommend it. It’s an excellent way to launch your career, develop real hands-on experience, and put yourself in a strong position to progress within the exciting industry we work in.”
The Bedford College Group will now take forward the outcomes from the inaugural session, using the insights shared by employers to inform next steps and future planning across its colleges.
To find out more about the courses on offer across The Bedford College Group, visit https://bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/