FOLLOWING National Apprenticeship Week, Wiltshire College & University Centre continues to build on its commitment to industry-led training, with a recent visit from SGS Heating and Electrical Ltd highlighting the impact of strong employer partnerships in construction education.
We were delighted to welcome Jon Wallace, Service Manager, and Carl Watts, Sales and Operations Manager from SGS Heating and Electrical Ltd for a tour of our facilities and specialist workshops at our Salisbury campus.
National Apprenticeship Week celebrates the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses and communities. At the College, that impact is strengthened through meaningful collaboration with employers who help ensure our curriculum reflects real-world expectations.
The visit provided an opportunity to discuss workforce needs, site expectations and the skills required for long-term success in the industry. Conversations focused not only on apprenticeship recruitment, but on how employer insight directly informs curriculum planning and delivery across Construction and the Built Environment.
Chris Homer, Deputy Head of Construction, said: “The visit was a fantastic opportunity to meet with SGS Heating & Electrical Ltd to share knowledge and experience with industry professionals and to work collaboratively to bridge the gap between education and employment. It is essential that our full-time and apprenticeship programmes align with the skills and knowledge that industry is looking for.”
By working closely with employers like SGS Construction, the College strengthens the connection between education and employment. Employer insight feeds directly into curriculum planning, helping to future-proof training and ensure learners are fully prepared for the realities of the workplace.
Jon Wallace from SGS, emphasised the importance of investing in future talent: “At SGS, we strongly believe that investing in the younger generation is an investment in the future of our industry and our local community. That’s why we are proud to support our local college by providing masterclasses, mentoring and meaningful work experience opportunities for students.”
For students, this means access to up-to-date industry knowledge, clearer progression routes and stronger local employment links. Employer engagement, through visits, mentoring, feedback or apprenticeship recruitment, builds confidence and creates meaningful opportunities to apply learning in real-world contexts.
Partnerships like this sit at the heart of the College’s 150 in 100 apprenticeship campaign, which aims to expand employer engagement and grow high-quality apprenticeship opportunities.
National Apprenticeship Week provides an opportunity to celebrate success – but it also reinforces the importance of continued collaboration between education and industry to secure the future workforce.
Ready to support the next generation?
If your organisation would like to support apprenticeships, influence curriculum design or explore recruitment opportunities, our Business Relationship Team would be delighted to start the conversation.
