NCG is strengthening its commitment to employer-led learning, partnering with The Purpose Coalition and Capital City College (CCC) to deliver Purpose Lab Masterclasses.
This pilot programme is designed to connect students with industry and bring careers education to life, giving learners direct access to employers and real-world insight.
Delivered by employers, the series provides students across NCG colleges with opportunities to explore career pathways, understand workplace expectations and develop the skills needed to succeed in the future world of work. The initiative builds on NCG’s existing approach to employability, enhancing the opportunities already available to students as part of the NCG Guarantee.
The first masterclass in the series took place at Newcastle College, where students gained valuable, real-world insight from PGL Beyond, a leading outdoor education provider.
Hosted by Chris Whitehead, Talent Acquisition Lead at PGL Beyond, the session focused on careers in outdoor education, activity leadership, hospitality and guest experience. Students heard about PGL’s role as the UK’s leading outdoor education provider, alongside the wide range of opportunities available across the organisation, from entry-level roles through to leadership and management positions.
The masterclass also explored the key skills and values that underpin successful careers, including teamwork, confidence, communication, resilience, respect, inclusivity, safety and quality. Students were encouraged to consider how these skills apply across industries and how they can support long-term career progression.
Tony Lewin, Executive Principal at NCG, said: “Education has the power to transform lives, and at NCG we are committed to ensuring every student develops the skills, confidence and ambition they need to succeed. These masterclasses are a powerful example of how we bring education and industry closer together, helping to break down barriers to opportunity and support social mobility.
“They also build on the strong foundations we already have in place through the NCG Guarantee, enhancing the employability opportunities we offer and giving students even greater access to real-world insight and experience.
“By connecting students directly with employers, we make career pathways more tangible and achievable, while building the confidence and skills that underpin long-term success. Initiatives like the Purpose Lab Masterclasses bring learning to life, raise aspirations and create meaningful, life-changing opportunities for our students, ensuring they are well prepared and inspired to take their next steps.”
The Purpose Lab Masterclass series reflects NCG’s ongoing focus on aligning education with industry, ensuring students benefit from meaningful, practical experiences alongside their studies.
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. Our partnership with NCG demonstrates how employers and further education can work together to open up career pathways and raise aspirations.”
The Newcastle College event marks the beginning of the pilot, and a masterclass will be hosted by Bell at Carlisle College in September.
The Purpose Lab Masterclasses programme will continue to grow, engaging a wide range of employers and sectors to support students across NCG in taking their next steps with confidence, building the skills, knowledge and ambition they need to thrive.
The series will continue to connect students with employers from a range of sectors, helping to widen access to careers insight and raise aspirations.