Building society placements add up for college students

Students at Suffolk New College are learning how to make a smooth transition from education into the world of work thanks to a link-up with a major Ipswich firm.

Ipswich Building Society has provided work experience as well as advice and guidance to learners on the Level 2 BTEC Business Studies course.

Tutor Trudi Rose-Porter said the relationship between the college and the building society was a huge benefit to students.

“It’s vital our students get these experiences. Business studies is real-life anyway but they need to know exactly what’s expected of them – like being punctual and smartly-dressed. It’s a fantastic insight into the real world.

“It’s great that it’s a local company, too. Ipswich Building Society’s support has been fantastic – it’s not just work experience, it’s also coming in to the College and talking to our students about how the industry works.

“The link should benefit Ipswich Building Society too in helping them recruit the right employees in the future.”

Stacey Bunn, financial education assistant at Ipswich Building Society, added: “Initially we were asked to support Suffolk New College with a careers event, and demonstrate to students what it was like to work in financial services and the key skills involved.

“This then developed into us delivering financial education sessions, enabling students to learn the skills they need to be financially savvy and prepare to live independently. Recently we have also been able to support the College with an intake of week-long work experience placements.

“By supporting Suffolk New College to increase educational standards we are working together to realise the potential of students through practical, hands on based learning.

The relationship with Ipswich Building Society dovetails with the College’s ePass initiative, which has been devised to ensure students are ‘work ready’ by learning the additional skills that can complement their academic qualifications when they enter the job market.

These include a variety of key qualities employers demand, such as communication skills, reliability, teamwork, presentation, resilience and a positive work ethic.

The ePass scheme, which was launched last year, follows the British Chamber of Commerce’s annual Workforce Survey, which found that businesses overwhelmingly feel too many young people are inadequately prepared for employment after leaving education.