“My role is very diverse,” says Anna. “I look after the College Group’s partnerships with employers, including on apprenticeships. At any moment, we have around 800 apprentices working with employers across multiple sectors – from engineering and advanced manufacturing to digital, hairdressing, and hospitality. I have a real passion for apprenticeships and have seen firsthand how transformative they can be, not just for learners, but for the businesses who take them on. As well as opening doors for young people to find employment and training, they’re a brilliant way to develop talent, including providing opportunities to upskill your existing workforce.”

Alongside overseeing apprenticeships, Anna spends much of her time connecting the College Group with stakeholders ranging from Milton Keynes City Council and the Department for Education to major employers such as Microsoft, McAfee, Cranfield University and KPMG acting as anchor partners. The goal? To align visions and strategies so students achieve the best outcomes, and to support a strong and buoyant local economy. Anna explains, “It’s a very broad role that’s ultimately about looking outward, understanding what’s happening beyond the College Group, and bringing that knowledge back to benefit our students.”

While apprenticeships are a cornerstone of MK College Group’s work, there are many other ways local employers can contribute. Businesses have delivered masterclasses on emerging technologies, run Dragons’ Den-style panels for budding entrepreneurs, and collaborated with each other to build new networks. “We’re committed to delivering a curriculum that reflects the world of work,” Anna says. “We need external input to make sure what we’re teaching aligns with what employers need. That input can include trips, visits, guest speaking sessions and more. If you have ideas, no matter how unusual they might sound, we’re open to them.”

MK College Group continually reviews its offer to meet evolving skills needs. For example, the College has recently launched Quantity Surveyor and Site Supervisor apprenticeships in professional construction, areas identified as priorities by local industry. Anna adds, “We have a strong offer across a wide range of sectors, because of the strong partnerships we’ve built. It’s a truly cross-sector approach, shaped by the local skills needs of our community.”

Employers often ask what’s in it for them. The answer is simple: whatever you want to get out of it. “We start with an honest conversation,” Anna explains. “Where is your business going? Do you want to develop a talent pipeline, upskill your existing team, or inspire the next generation? Some companies love being fully involved in developing new talent. Others prefer a more transactional relationship. Either is absolutely fine.”

From high-profile collaborations like the STEMx programme with Oracle Red Bull Racing to companies like Aden Contracting who come along to support the College’s careers events, every form of employer involvement makes a difference. Flexibility is at the heart of every partnership, with the College Group tailoring arrangements to suit different needs and capacities.

A common misconception is that working with a college is complicated or rigid. Anna is keen to dispel that myth. “We’re not like a school. Further Education is so much broader,” she explains. “We work with schools, adults, employers, and communities, so there’s a whole world of opportunity here. We also spend a lot of time demystifying things for employers and making our processes as straightforward as possible. Whether you’re offering a placement or coming in to give a talk, we’ll give you all the help you need.”

Ultimately, employer involvement is about building a better future, both for learners and for the broader region. “Employer engagement is vital,” says Anna. “We’re developing your future workforce. It makes perfect sense for employers to be part of that journey and help shape the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that matter most.”

Looking ahead, Anna is clear about the College Group’s ambitions: “We’re committed to Delivering Fairer Futures for our learners, colleagues and wider communities; listening to what businesses need and responding quickly is a part of us being an anchor institution in Milton Keynes. There are huge infrastructure opportunities and challenges ahead, and we’re ready to meet them together.”

If you’ve never partnered with the College Group before, Anna has one simple message: “Just get in touch. Whether you’d like to explore apprenticeships, inspire the next generation of students, or find new ways to develop your workforce, we’re ready to help”.

To start the conversation, contact the Employer Engagement Team at employerteam@mkcollege.ac.uk