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Skills Forums

Shaping the Future Workforce with Industry

United Colleges Group is committed to ensuring that the skills we teach reflect the real needs of industry. With rapid changes to qualifications, funding, and workforce demands, it has never been more important for education and employers to work closely together.

Our Skills Forums bring businesses and education partners together to help shape the skills, knowledge and training delivered across our colleges. By working collaboratively with employers, we ensure that our courses prepare students with the skills needed to succeed in today’s workplace and meet the future needs of industry.

What is a Skills Forum?

Skills Forums provide an opportunity for employers and industry professionals to work directly with our teaching teams to help shape the curriculum.

Each sector at UCG is supported by a Skills Forum made up of employers and industry representatives who help ensure that our courses remain relevant, innovative and aligned with current industry practices.

Through these forums, employers help us:

  • Review course content and curriculum to ensure it reflects current industry standards
  • Identify emerging trends and future skills needs within the sector
  • Ensure students learn using the latest technologies, tools and working practices
  • Strengthen links between education and real employment pathways

This collaboration helps ensure our students are work-ready and able to make an immediate contribution to employers when they enter the workforce.

Benefits for Employers

Joining a Skills Forum gives employers a genuine opportunity to influence the development of their future workforce.

As a member, you can:

  • Contribute your expertise to shape course content and training delivery
  • Engage with experienced teaching staff who bring industry knowledge into the classroom
  • Connect with talented students who may become your future employees
  • Help ensure training reflects the real needs of your industry

Skills Forums are delivered through a combination of in-person and online sessions, making it easy for employers to participate.

Ways to Get Involved

Employers who join our Skills Forums can support students in a variety of ways, including:

  • Delivering guest talks or industry masterclasses
  • Hosting workplace visits or site tours
  • Providing work experience opportunities
  • Setting real industry projects or live briefs for students
  • Sharing insights into careers and industry expectations

These activities give students valuable exposure to industry while allowing employers to engage directly with emerging talent.

Additional Employer Benefits

In recognition of their contribution, Skills Forum members will also receive:

  • Invitations to college awards ceremonies and employer events
  • Our termly employer newsletter with sector updates
  • Information on new funding opportunities and business support initiatives
  • Access to a pipeline of talented students and potential future recruits

Join a Skills Forum

If you are interested in collaborating with United Colleges Group or would like to learn more about upcoming Skills Forums, please contact: employer.engagement@ucg.ac.uk

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