We are delighted to have welcomed employers from our community to our East Avenue Restaurant.

The Eastleigh College Employer Board is established to identify the needs of employers in our community and the wider region. The Board brings together experienced professionals from a rich variety of industries and strengthens the communication channels between trade and education. A total of 18 businesses make up the current membership of the Employer Board and the College is committed to extending this with employers that complement the existing sectors already represented.

One of the most significant developments to come out of the October 2022 meeting was the announcement of a Talent Pipeline partnership model. The College already works with over 750 employers and recognises the mounting pressures faced by employers, both in the post COVID-19 economic landscape and following recent increases to energy bills and living costs. The Talent Pipeline model has potential to provide specialist ‘back office’ training and access to new talent that can fill businesses’ individual skills shortages and help create a stronger workforce.

There was also ample opportunity for friendly conversation and group activity, while a wide selection of food was on offer from our talented East Avenue Restaurant team, including bacon and sausage baps, fresh fruit, mini pastries and a mix of hot and cold beverages.

Simon Barber, Accounts Manager at HBS, attended the event and commented: “The Employer Board has given HBS the opportunity to meet with like-minded businesses to collaborate and bring ideas forward, resulting in increased engagement with the apprenticeships the College offer. It has provided a valuable networking opportunity as well as a forum to discuss our thoughts and needs in a constructive way.”

Lea Hampton, Employment and Skills Manager at One Horton Heath EBC, also attended and said: “Eastleigh College are really listening to the challenges of local employers and are responding with creativity and energy. It is a great networking opportunity and the food was delicious as usual.”

Rhys Jay, Engagement Account Manager at Eastleigh College, said: “It was wonderful to see so many of our collaborators in attendance and the East Avenue Team once again did a superb job with the breakfast. We are confident that our Employer Board will continue to play a strong role in providing long-term solutions to the needs and challenges of businesses in our community.”

The College will hold three Employer Board meetings per year with meeting time committed to sharing ambitions and opportunities, potential thematic discussion, guest speaker(s) and great food!

For more information on our Talent Pipeline programme, please contact Nicky Tramaseur at ntramaseur@eastleigh.ac.uk.

For any further queries, please contact the College at BeBetter@eastleigh.ac.uk.