Dearne Valley College Build for the Future – ENGIE announced as new Employer Academy Sponsor

Construction learners at Dearne Valley College are set to benefit from a new partnership with ENGIE, an energy and services specialist, who have recently been awarded a repairs and maintenance contract with Rotherham Council.

The agreement will see ENGIE and the College collaborate to build the Construction curriculum that is taught to the next generation of bricklayers, joiners and plasterers at the College.  Employer Academies bring together learners, educators and employers to identify the key skills required within industry and influence the curriculum taught at Rotherham College.

As part of the agreement, ENGIE have committed to deliver guest speaker slots, host mock interviews and site visits, as well as providing industry placements and work experience to several learners each year. Staff from the College’s construction department will also benefit from the partnership and will have the opportunity to undertake continuing professional development by visiting live projects and refreshing their knowledge.

In return, the College will deliver mentor training to Engie staff ensuring that they can effectively support apprentices and staff and learn key skills such as providing constructive and effective feedback.

ENGIE UK’s Head of Learning and Social Value Lee Firth will lead on the project for the company and has been instrumental in developing the partnership.  

Lee said: “The Employer Pledge will allow us to build on the relationship we already have with Dearne Valley College.

“We are committed to supporting the College and helping to develop industry-leading curriculum, apprenticeship standards and a range of innovative employability opportunities for staff and students which will further develop their industry-specialist skills and knowledge.

“The partnership will allow us to share best practice to benefit both parties and the local people and economy.”

RNN Group Director of Employer Partnerships James Godsell works closely with local employers across South Yorkshire and is the first point of contact for RNN Group Employer Academies.

James said: “Our Employer Academies are about working collaboratively with key businesses to ensure that we meet the skills needs of our local communities and provide relevant opportunities and experiences for our staff and learners.

“Partnering with ENGIE will ensure that our learners, on both full-time study programmes and apprenticeships, are gaining the knowledge, skills and behaviours that the construction industry requires.”

You can find out more about our Employer Academies at www.rnngroup.co.uk/employer-academies.

Or find out more about our range of Construction courses and apprenticeships.