Following the outstanding success of its pilot year, the Employer in Residence programme is set to return in 2025 with double the number of participants. This innovative initiative, a partnership between NPTC Group of Colleges and Tai Tarian, has grown from 12 students in its inaugural year to 27 students this year—a testament to its positive impact on employability and career prospects.
Launched in 2023, the programme has been instrumental in equipping students with essential skills and workplace experience. Building on the success of last year’s multi-trade Level 1 cohort, the initiative has delivered practical benefits, including CV-writing workshops, interview preparation, and hands-on site visits, giving students invaluable exposure to real-world industry practices. The results speak for themselves, with several participants securing employment opportunities—two of whom are now part of Tai Tarian’s Copper Foundation, a programme offering paid work to individuals with limited experience.
The 2025 programme brings even greater opportunities by accommodating twice as many students and continuing to deliver valuable insights and experiences. It features site visits, networking opportunities with local contractors and industry experts, and talks designed to inspire and prepare students for successful careers. This expansion reflects the growing demand for initiatives that bridge the gap between education and employment while addressing skills shortages in key sectors.
Christine Rogers, HR Manager at Tai Tarian, shared her enthusiasm for the programme’s growth:
“Building on the success of last year’s pilot programme, we are thrilled to welcome double the number of students in 2025. Our partnership with NPTC Group of Colleges has proven incredibly effective in helping young people gain a clearer understanding of the opportunities available in the housing and construction sectors. It’s a real success story that two students from last year’s cohort have secured employment with us, and we look forward to seeing even more students find their career paths this year.”
Cara Mead, Enterprise and Employability Manager at NPTC Group of Colleges, added:
“The impact of this programme on our students has been profound. It’s given them invaluable insights into the working world, particularly in construction and housing, two sectors with strong local demand. By expanding the programme, we are providing even more students with the chance to build the skills and connections they need for a successful career. We are proud to continue working with Tai Tarian to make a difference in the lives of young people in our community.”
For more information about the Employer in Residence programme or Tai Tarian’s wider community initiatives, please contact:
NPTC Group – Cara.mead@nptcgroup.ac.uk
Tai Tarian – Christine.Rogers@taitarian.co.uk
