A new state-of-the-art business school at Wiltshire College & University Centre's Lackham campus has been hailed as a "great asset" for the county by entrepreneur Nick Jenkins, founder of Moonpig and former Dragon's Den investor.
The Wiltshire Business School at Georgian Grade II listed Lackham House, which is part of a £2.2 million development at the college's Lackham campus, was officially opened by Mr. Jenkins, who praised the facilities and the college's commitment to providing students with the skills and training needed to succeed in the business world.
"I'm very impressed with the facilities here, and I think it's fantastic that it's in Wiltshire," said Mr. Jenkins. "I don't know how many other counties have something like this, but it's great for local business, and now I want to be employing people who have had the kind of training on offer here."
Principal and CEO Iain Hatt, said Wiltshire Business School will teach commercial skills in a setting that looks and feels like 21 st century offices. “We’ve created high quality training facilities that reflect businesses today, so students can learn in a modern business environment,” he said.
“We will deliver the core curriculum requirements to our students in terms of the technical skills they need but alongside that we’ll develop the habits and behaviours that will prepare them for work.”
Mr Hatt explained the Wiltshire Business School is a response to the introduction of T Levels, a new qualification designed with employers that combines learning with real-world experience. It is also a response to the digital skills gap identified in the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Skills Plan.
Before embarking on the project the college visited other business schools and Wiltshire companies to ensure the set-up at Lackham is authentic.
The business school features cutting-edge technology, including wireless digital screens, laptop docking stations, and video conferencing equipment. Students will have access to modern meeting rooms, breakout areas, and collaborative workspaces designed to mimic real-world business environments. There is even an imposing oak-panelled boardroom in what was once the house’s billiard room.
“We are teaching students the behaviours and sense of responsibility they’ll need in the real world of business and embedding that into lessons,” said Mr Hatt.
Among the digital skills being taught are setting up video conferencing meetings and training courses, running remote meetings and one-to-ones and even managing a digital reception area.
“The students might have used online learning before but they've been on the receiving end of it,” said Mr Hatt. “We want to give them the opportunity to set up online meetings and webinars, design remote training sessions and then take those traits and skills to the workplace.”
At present students are studying T Level Business: Management and Administration at the business school but Mr Hatt expects the number of students to grow rapidly over the next two years as other courses move there.
“Over time, we will expand this provision from Level 3 right through to undergraduate qualification,” said Mr Hatt.
After being shown around the business school by students Mr Jenkins said: “The facilities here and the students are excellent. The college is teaching all of those generic business skills that will be applicable to every job they ever have.
“And if they arrive for a job interview with those skills already, they're going to be streets ahead of the candidates that have to be taught them. As an employer, it's music to my ears when people turn up and they already have those basic skills.”
Mr Hatt said the college plans to open up the school to businesses for part-time courses, including HR, accountancy and leadership. “There will be a stream of professional qualifications for individuals already working who want to upskill and progress,” he said. “It could be someone in any industry who needs additional skills – and that is attractive employers.”
With the business school model being expanded to the college’s campuses in Trowbridge and Salisbury, Mr Hatt expects the Wiltshire Business School brand to become a hallmark of quality for students, parents and employers.
“We’ve had excellent feedback from the employers who’ve been in to see it and the students love it,” he said. “Since 1946 when it opened its doors as the Wiltshire Farm Institute, Lackham has always been at the cutting edge of education and with Wiltshire Business School we are future proofing our teaching for the next generation.”
For more information about business courses at Wiltshire Business School visit www.wiltshire.ac.uk.
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