With Walsall College closed to the majority of students and Covid-19 resulting in 90% of partnering employers unwilling or unable to provide placements at the height of the pandemic, a creative and innovative solution was needed to ensure that students were not disadvantaged by a lack of exposure to industry experts and work experience opportunities. A bespoke Virtual Work Experience Week initiative was developed and successfully delivered by 157 industry specialists from over 90 companies to almost 2,000 students studying courses from the arts, construction, engineering, sport, hospitality, travel and tourism, business and IT.
Now in its 27th year, the AoC Beacon Awards showcase best practice and innovation in colleges. It is designed to promote the interdependence of colleges, businesses and professional and voluntary organisations. The awards also highlight excellence and helps share best practice across the sector.
