On Thursday 12 December, Alton College launched a new chapter in its journey with the hosting of the College’s inaugural Business Breakfast, a networking event that brought together local leaders and businesses for collaboration and conversation.
Held in the College’s Martin Read Hall, the event marked the next step of Alton College’s drive to become a thriving hub of business activity in the region. Business leaders from various industries and local government attended, enjoying a delicious English Breakfast which fuelled a lively and positive discussion on upcoming economic opportunities and challenges facing businesses.
Ashley Grute, Alton’s Assistant Principal for Curriculum, gave the attendees a brief introduction to the role of Alton College in enriching the education of young people and supporting the local community. Speaking at the Business Breakfast, Ashley said:
“Alton College is thoroughly committed to narrowing the skills gaps in the region. Whether that’s through our industry-focused courses, links with regional and national companies, or consistent investment in our facilities, our students leave Alton with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in the modern workplace.”
Ashley Grute presenting at the Alton College Business Breakfast.
Attendees praised the event as bridging the gap of local industry collaboration, aligning the region’s business and educational goals. Julie from East Hampshire District Council said:
“Bringing the Business Breakfast to Alton College has been a great success, and is a fantastic way to support businesses. It’s incredibly valuable to have an institution like Alton acting as a hub for industries to come together and collaborate, discussing the needs of the current and future workforce.”
Over the past few years, Alton has continued to develop a growing portfolio of industry-linked programmes, including T Levels and vocational training, as well as Apprenticeships and skills-focused initiatives.
Last October, the College opened its state-of-the-art Space and Satellite Hub, made possible thanks to a £500,000 investment from the North Hampshire and Surrey Local Skills Improvement Fund, enshrining its commitment to regional skills development thanks to links with businesses such as Space South Central, Airbus, BAE Systems and Surrey Satellite Technology.
The Business Breakfast marked the next step as Alton College continues to be a viable and thriving hub for industry collaboration.
Developments, such as the opening of the Space Hub, have gone hand-in-hand with the Business Breakfast in ensuring that Alton College remains a viable and thriving hub for industry collaboration for many more years to come.
Aaron Butson is HSDC’s Assistant Principal for Business, Employment and Skills, and thanked the attendees for visiting the College, hinting at similar events happening in the future:
“We are really keen to run more breakfasts at Alton College, bringing in guest speakers to spark even more creativity and collaboration. At HSDC, we are proud to bring businesses together in any way that we can. Thank you all for being part of this journey as we look to make Alton College and the wider community a leading destination for business collaboration in the future.”
If you would like your business to get involved with Alton College’s next event, please email realbusiness@hsdc.ac.uk for more information.