College students to gain career insights from leading employers in new masterclass programme

The Purpose Coalition has launched Purpose Lab Masterclasses, a pilot series of employer-led masterclasses delivered in partnership with two leading further education colleges, Capital City College (CCC) and NCG.

Beginning this month, the Purpose Lab masterclasses give students direct access to employers and leaders who can share honest insight into working life. Each session gives college students the opportunity to learn about career journeys, routes into industry, and employer-valued skills. This is especially important as the UK Government has highlighted major industry demand for skilled workers in key sectors including construction, engineering, hospitality and more. 

The programme will connect students across the colleges with leaders from different sectors, helping young people build confidence, understand career routes and access practical insight into the future world of work. 

Unique to these masterclasses is that they are being delivered by employees of major employers, who gained a college education. The pilot sessions taking place are: 

• Outdoor education provider PGL Beyond speaking at Newcastle College 

• Global law firm Clyde & Co at Capital City College 

• Property Services Contractor Bell Group at Carlisle College  

Chris Whitehead, Talent Acquisition Lead at PGL Beyond, said: “It was a real privilege to speak to students at Newcastle College about the opportunities available across PGL and the wider outdoor education sector. These roles are about much more than just a job. They help people build confidence, develop practical skills and make a positive difference to the lives of young people. The students were engaged, thoughtful and ambitious, and it was brilliant to talk to them about how they can build a career through outdoor learning, hospitality, activity leadership and guest experience.” 

Anthony Jones, CEO of PGL Beyond, said: “At PGL Beyond, we believe every young person should have access to experiences that help them grow, thrive and realise their potential. That applies not only to the young people who visit our centres, but also to those looking to build their own careers. Our work with NCG and Capital City College through the Purpose Lab Masterclass programme shows how employers and further education can work together to open up career pathways, raise aspirations and help students understand the skills that matter in the workplace.”

Liz Bromley, CEO of NCG, said: “At NCG, we believe education has the power to transform lives, and we are committed to ensuring every student develops the skills, confidence and ambition they need to progress and succeed in their chosen career. Working in partnership with employers such as PGL Beyond through the Purpose Lab Masterclass series is a powerful way to bring learning to life, giving students meaningful insight into the world of work and helping to break down barriers to opportunity. The session at Newcastle College is a great example of how NCG connects education and industry to raise aspirations, broaden horizons and create life-changing opportunities for our students, supporting them to take their next steps with confidence.” 

 Angela Joyce, Chief Executive Officer of CCC, said: “Further education has a vital role to play in connecting young people with employers and helping them build the practical skills needed for the future workplace. Through the Purpose Lab Masterclass series, we are working together to give students meaningful access to employers, career insight and real-world advice. Partnerships like this help make career pathways clearer, more relatable and more achievable for students from all backgrounds.”