Winning the prize for employer engagement at the 2015 TES FE Awards has provided Belfast Metropolitan College with nationwide recognition and a platform to highlight ourselves as a first-class further and higher education college. Furthermore, TES has given us the verification that our academy model is a unique, watertight programme that has improved our students and our stakeholders’ future development. Our success is also down to the support of the Northern Ireland Department for Employment and Learning’s Assured Skills initiative, who worked with us to develop the academy model. 

Since winning the TES FE Award, Belfast Met has continued to work with our business partners to develop a range of programmes to address niche industries that require a specific skillset and mentality, such as business development and human resources. The successful academy model has also increased interest from companies to work with us and develop programmes that will advance their economic turnover and introduce new talent into their business.

It has been a privilege for Belfast Met to receive the 2015 TES award for Employer Engagement. We worked diligently and effectively to create a programme that would enhance our students’ skills and employability, and as a result our partnering company benefited as they are now able to employ workers who meet their strategic needs. 

Damian Duffy (pictured above left) is the director of development and learner services at Belfast Metropolitan College. He tweets at @belfastbizskool 

To enter this year’s TES FE Awards by 6 December 2015, go to www.tesfeawards.co.uk

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