New initiative brings industry and education together to inspire learners and develop future talent.
Derwentside College has officially launched Industry360, an ambitious new initiative designed to place employers at the heart of education, ensuring learners develop the skills, knowledge and experiences needed to succeed in the workplace. Embedded across the College's full-time programmes and T Levels, Industry360 creates meaningful opportunities for learners to engage with employers and gain valuable insight into the world of work, helping them make informed decisions about their future.
The initiative has been developed in response to the growing need for closer collaboration between education and industry. As skills needs continue to evolve, Industry360 provides a structured and sustainable approach to employer engagement, ensuring learners benefit from real-world industry insight while employers play a direct role in influencing future talent and developing the workforce of tomorrow.
At the heart of Industry360 is the College's unique Hear It, See It, Live It approach, which brings together education and industry to create impactful learner experiences. The framework is designed to expose learners to the realities of modern workplaces, strengthen employability skills and support progression into positive destinations, while enabling employers to play an active role in developing future talent.
Since launching, Industry360 has already demonstrated its impact. Learners have secured employment opportunities following engagement with employers through Industry360 activities, highlighting the value of meaningful employer interaction and the positive outcomes that can be achieved when education and industry work closely together.
The initiative has also generated significant interest from employers across a range of sectors, many of whom recognise the opportunity to showcase career pathways, support skills development and engage with the next generation of employees.
Nicola Raine, Assistant Principal for Business Development and Technical Education at Derwentside College, said:
"Industry360 represents our commitment to delivering genuinely industry-driven education. We want every learner to understand the opportunities available to them, develop the skills employers value and leave college ready to succeed in their chosen career.
"The response from employers has been incredibly positive. Businesses recognise the importance of investing in future talent, and by working together we can create opportunities that benefit learners, employers and the wider economy. We are already seeing examples of learners progressing into employment following Industry360 engagement, demonstrating the real difference these experiences can make."
Industry360 forms part of Derwentside College's wider commitment to supporting regional skills priorities, strengthening employer partnerships and improving learner outcomes. By connecting education with industry at every stage of the learner journey, the College is helping to develop a workforce that is skilled, confident and prepared for the future.
The College is now inviting more employers to become involved and help shape the future workforce. Whether sharing expertise, providing industry insight or supporting learner development, businesses can play a vital role in inspiring the next generation while helping to build the skills their industries need for continued growth.
Together, through Industry360, Derwentside College and its employer partners are delivering industry-driven education, inspiring talent and building tomorrow's workforce.
