The latest Oswestry Employer Network Forum, hosted by Herefordshire, Ludlow & North Shropshire College, was held on Tuesday 9th June and proved to be another great success, bringing together local businesses, students, college representatives, and community partners.
Held as part of an ongoing commitment to strengthen links between employers and education, the event provided an opportunity for businesses from across the area to meet, share ideas, and discuss how they can work with the college to support skills and employment opportunities locally.
Delivered as an Oswestry BID event in partnership with Oswestry Life Magazine, the evening followed the success of the first Employer Network Forum held earlier this year and once again highlighted the value of bringing the local business community together.
Attendees also received feedback prepared by students, sharing their experiences of engaging with local employers and highlighting how these opportunities have helped them build confidence, develop workplace skills, and prepare for their next steps after college.
Employers also took part in round table discussions looking at some of the challenges and opportunities facing local businesses, including:
- The importance of developing workplace and soft skills
- Future recruitment needs
- Apprenticeships and work experience opportunities
- How businesses and the college can continue to work more closely together
The discussions gave employers the chance to share their views, offer feedback, and explore practical ways to support both students and local industry.
One of the main highlights of the evening was the launch of Herefordshire, Ludlow & North Shropshire College’s new Employer Patron Scheme — a free initiative designed to create stronger partnerships between the college and local businesses across The Marches.
The first businesses to join the scheme were officially presented and recognised as Employer Patrons during the event, celebrating their commitment to supporting education, skills development, and opportunities for young people.
The Employer Patron Scheme invites businesses to get involved with the college in a way that works for them, whether through supporting student activities, helping shape courses, offering industry insight, or engaging with potential future employees.
Businesses joining the scheme can benefit from:
- Opportunities to influence skills and curriculum development
- Links with students through placements, apprenticeships, and college activities
- Promotion through college channels
- Use of college business facilities (subject to availability)
- Invitations to Patron events and awards evenings
- Annual recognition as a college Patron
The evening also provided plenty of time for networking over refreshments, giving attendees the chance to meet other local employers, make new contacts, and find out more about the support and opportunities available through the college.
Organisers thanked everyone who attended and supported another successful event, with plans already being made for the next Oswestry Employer Network Forum.
For more information about joining the Employer Patron Scheme, please contact Julia Edmunds, Head of Business Development and Project Management:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 07790 929931