Solihull College & University Centre has strengthened its dynamic partnership with the NEC Group in recent years, showcasing the vital role the College plays across a range of business functions.
The collaboration highlights how the College’s expertise and student talent are making a tangible impact within one of the UK’s leading live events organisations. As the relationship continues to flourish, both institutions are celebrating a shared commitment to skills development, innovation, and regional growth.
The NEC Group are a major employer in the Midlands. The organisation takes part in several community and educational initiatives, including hiring apprentices across different departments within the business.
Due to their ongoing commitment to education and training, the organisation recently became the first business to be awarded the Gold Award in the College’s Social Value Excellence scheme. The NEC actively contribute to the Business Employer Advisory Board and have co-designed and delivered two ‘Into Employment’ courses for individuals pursuing careers in hospitality. Their engagement includes hosting multiple ‘Insight Days’ and ‘Careers Hubs’, providing work experience for young care leavers, and welcoming numerous schoolchildren for on-site visits. They also proudly supported Birmingham Children’s Hospital by taking part in a fundraising abseil.
Education and Community Lead, Angela Walsh, has a close working relationship with the College and has been involved in collaborations such as technical bootcamps, Esports competitions, work experience, the ‘Into Employment’ adult skills programme and apprenticeships.
Angela is a big advocate of apprenticeships and what they bring to the organisation. She commented: “We have lots of apprentices who have completed and are now with us on a full-time basis. Some of them have been with us for years, so it really is great for our recruitment.
Apprentices bring fresh ideas and diverse thinking, our colleagues love supporting them, watching them grow and imparting their own knowledge to help the next generation.”
The NEC Group were recently shortlisted for the College’s Apprenticeship Impact Awards, with Fiona Pearce and Jamie Hawkins winning ‘Commitment to Skills Development’ and ‘Inspirational Mentor’ awards respectively.
People Admin & Payroll Manager, Fiona Pearce, commented: “I was incredibly honoured to have received the ‘Commitment to Skills Development’ award from Solihull College & University Centre. Supporting apprentices has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.
Over the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring some talented individuals in HR Administration at the NEC Group, some of whom have gone on to secure promotions or achieve great things beyond our organisation. For me, it’s all about creating an environment where apprentices feel valued, empowered, and inspired to grow. Watching their confidence and capabilities develop over time is a true joy, and I’m proud to play a part in their journey.”
On her award and the College’s relationship with the NEC, Jamie Hawkins, Retail Event F&B Manager, added: “I was thrilled to win the award, not only for me, but for the apprentice I mentored as this reflected that there had been a visible impact on him. I felt truly proud.
Working alongside the College has been amazing and the relationship between the tutor, the apprentice, and myself has been remarkable and I felt fully supported by the College during times when I wasn’t sure how to mentor or support my apprentice in a specific way. It was also lovely to see the relationship the apprentice built with the College.”
Assessor/Coach, Lisa Satchwell, who works closely with the organisation commented: “As an assessor/coach at the College, I’ve had the opportunity of working with the NEC and witnessing first-hand the positive support they provide to their apprentices. From day one, the apprentice’s development is a clear priority.
The NEC ensures each apprentice has access to knowledgeable mentors, structured on-the-job training, and regular progress reviews. Their commitment and collaboration with us as training providers makes a real difference in helping apprentices succeed and grow with confidence.”
Apprentices, work experience, ‘into employment’ and bootcamp students benefit from learning and development in both a real working environment and in further education to prepare them for careers in this industry.
For more information on how the College can support your organisation, please speak with our experienced Employer Services team on 0121 678 7181 or email employerservices@solihull.ac.uk
