This simple how-to guide for setting and supporting student projects will help you get the most from your involvement. You can use this resource at any stage of your engagement journey, whether you have existing links with a college or intend to make new connections.
Employers can help students use their knowledge and skills to address business challenges and help tackle issues in your industry.
These projects provide a great opportunity for students and teachers to grow their technical skills and understanding, to help develop your staff and perhaps even find your next employees.
Watch the case study video, and read on to find out more…
How to maximise your involvement
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Identify key benefits and objectives
It can be good to have some ideas of what you’d like to achieve from the outset. Spend some time thinking about types of projects that could be beneficial for your business – this could be anything from designing prototype equipment to suggestions on how to reduce the carbon footprint of your manufacturing processes.
You should also identify the time and resources, such as staff, equipment or funding, that you are able to offer the project, and outline what your main objectives are.
When designing your project, think about how your expertise could support teachers to develop the workforce of the future, and how working together could help develop the skills of your staff.
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Connect with a school or college
Finding the right school or college to work with is important. You may have already been approached by a college, or might have existing links through previous work or people you know. If not, you may want to work with a local school or college or one that specialises in your industry.
If you are not already in touch, you can reach out to your preferred school or college to get things started. Key contact details can often be found on the college website.
The Head of Engineering and Manufacturing (or their equivalent) at the college would be a good first contact,
and they may introduce you to a subject teacher who can help guide you.
Alternatively, if you don’t have their contact details, you could reach out directly to the Principal or a senior leader such as an Assistant or Vice Principal of Technical Education or Curriculum. -
Plan the project
When you know who you’ll be working with, you can discuss how the project will run and whether you need to adapt your original ideas to better fit the curriculum, timescale and students involved.
At this stage, you could draw up an agreement on key logistics including roles and responsibilities, timelines, delivery methods, milestones and main objectives.
You might want to consider a team approach from your organisation – having colleagues share the experience by running a project together could be a great opportunity to support team-building, group bonding and creative and collaborative thinking.
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Plan your publicity
A big benefit of working with a school or college is that it can generate really positive news for your business. Agreeing a publicity approach in advance will help make sure all appropriate permissions are in place, and that you and your chosen college are sending out a consistent message that benefits both of you.
Their marketing team could help build awareness of your organisation through case studies, social media posts, internal bulletins or local news coverage. You may also have contacts and channels to help get the message out.
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Deliver the project
To benefit the most, get involved from the start – from presenting the project to students, checking progress at key milestones and assessing the project to providing feedback.
You might want to present a prize for the best project, and should think about any wrap-around support you could offer. Site visits, training sessions, job shadowing or mock interviews all add value to the project and give your staff experience in supporting others and showcasing your business.
Remember, this stage involves a time commitment, so plan this into your work schedule.
Make the most of photo opportunities to boost your media profile.
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Review and feedback
Once the project is completed, it’s a good idea to consider how it has gone for all involved. Do you have any feedback on the project set up and delivery? Were your objectives and expectations met? Could you write up a case study about the project?
Do you want to do something similar again, or are you interested in another area of joint working – from offering work experience, industry placements or even employment, to donating equipment or running masterclasses for teachers?
Speak to the school or college about ways you could keep working together and maintain a long-lasting relationship with benefits for all involved.
