Nicholas gave the introduction at a lunch at Oakmeeds Community College on Friday 28th November.

The purpose of the lunch was to introduce the Employer Engagement Programme to businesses in the local area.

It is hoped this will create an even better dialogue between the College and its business partners to benefit the pupils as they leave the school and the local employers as they recruit staff.

Employer Engagement Programme – The SSAT (Specialist Schools and Academies Trust) has given Oakmeeds the opportunity to apply for additional funding following a successful redesignation as a Business and Enterprise College. The College is now in its fourth year as a Business and Enterprise College.

The lunch was served in the Drama Studio of the College and local business leaders had the chance to see presentations by pupils. The presentations included the Prize winners of two competitions involving local businesses.

Emily Bowles and Rebecca Burgess both ‘trend setting’ designers showed the work they had produced in response to a design challenge from IconLive. A team of Year 10 boys, led by Sam David and Luke Dorgan talked of their victory over the team of recruitment consultants from Capital IT.

The work of the Opening Minds pupils in year 7 showcased the skills that the College is developing in all the pupils.

Nicholas Soames said; “Headteacher, Colin Taylor has always been at the forefront of developing the dialogue between employers and educators. The relationship between business and the college is vital to the local community and I hope the programme will be well supported.”