SOUTH Cheshire College has joined forces with local employers to help shape the workforces of the future.

The Crewe college held a series of focus groups with companies to drive forward new ideas that will benefit learners and employees.

The link-up aims to identify employer needs and make college courses more relevant to learners before they head into the workplace.

Richard Lunt, assistant director for the science, technology, engineering and maths faculty, said: “The link between the classroom and the workplace is vital so making connections with key employers is very important.

“We are working closely with our stakeholders to develop a curriculum that addresses both local employer needs and growth areas within sectors across the region.”

Employers from different industry sectors attended three separate seminars to find out more about tailored college training programmes and focused courses that can benefit their business.

The first group focused on catering, hospitality, hair and beauty, travel and tourism, sport, public services, child care and health and social care.

In the second session, opportunities in the arts and media and business sector were discussed while the third focus group was attended by employers from the science, technology, engineering, construction and mathematics sectors.

All the sessions took place in the college’s Academy restaurant and were attended by company representatives and college staff from different curriculum areas.