January 2005

Yvonne Tomlinson, Enterprise and Employer Relations Manager with the Somerset Centre for Enterprise lead a discussion on services and the new Enterprise Centre.

She explained that the new centre attracts many employers, especially those with an interest in sustainability, for which the College works closely with the Somerset Trust for Sustainability. The Centre works with small businesses, often providing project support. Frequently, she explained, small employers want feasibility studies undertaken into a business proposition. At the same time the College is looking for real projects on which students can work. The Centre puts the two parties together.

She explained that the Centre also tries to find out about the training needs of employers so that College courses can be designed aoround what industry actually needs, rather than what people think industry needs! Bespoke courses can be run, and many 6 hour/1 day workshops can cost only £88 a head, providing there is a minimum of 10 attendees.

The Enterprise Centre includes a 200 seat auditorium and breakout room, and has its own cafeteria.

The College offers Foundation degrees which have taken over from HND qualifications. Now, Foundation degrees are geared for people who are at work, on an open learning basis. They cover all areas of College activities. As an example Yvonne explained that someone can start a bricklaying course at the College, and go on to do a degree later. As a principle, the College tries to ensure students get work experience in a relevant field as part of their course.

Yvonne can be contacted by e-mail at the Centre, or by telephone on 01823 366638.