AS THE autumn term progresses, lecturers at Wiltshire College & University Centre have been putting to work new insights, refreshed skills and real-world examples gained through the College’s ongoing Back to Business initiative.
Last academic year, more than 160 staff members took part in Back to Business – more than double that had taken part in the previous year – with colleagues from across curriculum areas spending time in live industry settings. The momentum from those experiences continues to shape teaching throughout this year.
From advanced manufacturing and Soil Association–certified vineyards to luxury salons and medical aesthetics clinics, staff have had the opportunity to reconnect with workplaces, explore new technologies and gain up-to-date knowledge to strengthen teaching and learning. It has also given them the chance to see former students thriving in their careers and contributing to their industries.
Hairdressing lecturer Jenny Archer, who visited Strawberry Fields salon in Corsham, said the opportunity to see former students thriving was particularly inspiring.
“It was a joy to see our past students thriving in their careers. Seeing how our teaching translates to successful working practice was incredibly inspiring,” said Jenny.
For many curriculum teams, the placements have directly shaped lesson planning. Beauty lecturer Laura Lawrence, who visited Eighteen Aesthetics in Calne, said: “The experience was invaluable. I observed detailed consultations and the use of AI skin analysis technology, which I’ll be bringing straight back into my teaching.”
In Engineering, the faculty team visited Cross Manufacturing in Devizes. Lily Raynor-Blundell, Head of Faculty of Engineering, Automotive and Motorsports said: “It was a fantastic opportunity. We all came away with strong industry knowledge – and a real sense of pride seeing our apprentices thriving in the workplace.”
A group of around ten Land based lecturers including Sam Davies, spent time at Westwoofs Dog Day Care and at Quions, an organic vineyard. They explored how businesses in the sector are responding to environmental regulation, market demand and diversification.
Sam said: “Seeing how they’d adapted from wine sales into tourism and organic production was a brilliant real-world link to our T Level content on sustainability and supply chains.”
Building on the success of the past year, the College is looking to expand Back to Business even further, giving more staff the chance to connect with industry partners throughout the year and into 2025/26. These experiences not only strengthen teaching for current students, but also offer valuable moments to see former students thriving in their careers and contributing to their industries.
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