Local College’s Employer Academy Sparks Continued Collaboration with South Electrical

Electrical students at North Notts College (part of the RNN Group), are set to benefit from the expertise of Doncaster-based electrical contractors South Electrical who have continued their sponsorship of RNN Group’s Electrical Employer Academy.

RNN Group Employer Academies were set-up to drive collaboration between the College and local businesses. The Academies see employers pledge to support students and prepare them for the world of work, by offering work experience and collaborating with College staff on curriculum design among other activities.

South Electrical was one of the first local businesses to pledge their support to the Academies. They have offered work experience to up to 20 students per year since 2018 and currently employ over 30 apprentices, 12 of which started their journey with the firm through a work placement.

Representatives from the company have also judged student work in competitions and welcomed students for site visits.

South Electrical Training Manager Mick Tully works closely with work experience students and apprentices from North Notts College.

Mick said: “We’ve worked closely with North Notts College for several years and we have always looked to offer talented young people from the College work experience and apprenticeships.

“Being an Employer Academy sponsor was a natural next step for us. We feel like we can offer students from the College genuine insight into a career in the electrical trade, and the work experience programme is an opportunity for students to identify their capabilities and suitability for the type of work we’re involved in, and for us to offer routes into the industry.

“We’re looking forward to playing a more active role in the curriculum planning and design of electrical courses over the coming year, and we’re also looking to work with the College to provide Supported Internships for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. We will also be participating in the College’s Welcome Onboard Week to speak to students about what the industry looks for and to outline employer expectations. One of our apprentices will be explaining a bit about what his day-to-day job is like.”

RNN Group Director of Employer Partnerships James Godsell is the key contact for Employer Academy sponsors and has worked closely with the team at South Electrical.

James said: “The opportunities that South Electrical offer our Electrical students are fantastic for their development, so to have them signed-up for another year as an Employer Academy sponsor is great news for our students.

“To have a company that is so well respected within the industry on board as a sponsor ensures that our students can gain the knowledge and skills they will need for a successful career in the industry. The fact that the business now has 12 apprentices working for them, who started as work experience students, shows that not only is the Academy great for students, but there are benefits to the business too. That is what makes the Employer Academies successful.”

Find out more about the Electrical courses available at North Notts College.