by Keith Smith

The current government shares the ambition of governments before it – to solve the UK’s stubborn problem of low productivity and growth. At the heart of this puzzle is how we as a country solve the growing skills gaps that exist and the challenges employers face in hiring experienced and qualified people into their business. Whilst London benefits from the strength of its dynamic economy and strong financial services sector, there remains the same skills gaps and hard to recruit vacancies which is holding many employers back.

Core purpose
Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge Colleges (HRUC) is one of the largest groups of further education colleges in the UK and like all colleges, has at its core a purpose to provide the qualified people needed by employers in today’s rapidly evolving jobs market.

Our challenge is how do we do we bridge the gap between the thousands of people studying every year in colleges into the jobs and careers that will drive personal and economic wealth. Every year at HRUC, we train over 15,000 students, all eager to progress and get the job of their dreams. Meanwhile, employers stand isolated and confused about why people are not applying for their roles or why they are not coming with the skills and personal skills they really need.

Solving the puzzle
What if we could solve this puzzle by bridging the gap that exists between education and work?

To build stronger connections between industry and colleges, we should create a framework that enables employers to support teaching – either by allowing staff to teach in colleges or by hosting students in real-world business settings. This goes beyond traditional work experience, which is often short-term and difficult for some employers to deliver effectively.
Industry professionals bring current knowledge, practical insights, and real case studies that enrich learning, helping students bridge the gap between theory and practice. By involving employers directly in education, students gain relevant, up-to-date skills that better prepare them for their careers.

Authentic
For example, a software engineer teaching a course on coding can share firsthand knowledge about current coding languages and the ever-changing tech landscape, which may not be fully covered in textbooks or academic lectures. This authentic, real-world context helps bridge the gap between classroom theory and professional practice.

Valuable
Allowing staff to teach in colleges promotes stronger relationships between educational institutions and industries. These partnerships foster mutual understanding and collaboration, helping to align academic programmes with the evolving needs of the workforce. As industries continue to innovate, they often require a new set of skills that may not be adequately covered in traditional academic programmes. HRUC knows that when employees teach in colleges, they become valuable contributors to curriculum development, ensuring that academic courses reflect the realities of the job market.

Ecosystem
Furthermore, fostering strong ties between employers and academic institutions creates an ecosystem in which both parties benefit. Students gain access to internships, mentorships, and networking opportunities, while employers can tap into a pipeline of well-prepared graduates equipped with the latest industry-relevant knowledge.

Expertise
When employees teach, they strengthen communication, leadership, and presentation skills while deepening their own expertise. Breaking down complex ideas and engaging with students encourages reflection, critical thinking, and creativity – skills they bring back to their primary roles to better solve problems and lead teams.

Teaching also fosters innovation. Exposure to diverse students and fresh perspectives can inspire new ideas for products, processes, and strategy, creating value for both the organisation and the wider industry.

Talent pipeline
Closer collaboration between industry and colleges prepares students for real-world careers while supporting employee development and workforce innovation. Employers who enable staff to teach help shape a more skilled, future-ready talent pipeline.

Keith Smith is chief executive of Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge Colleges
www.hruc.ac.uk

If you are an employer that feels you can play your part, visit the website or contact Liam Plumridge – assistant director – Enhanced Skills and Employability at
liam.plumridge@hruc.ac.uk