Opportunities Created as Blackburn Rovers Join Forces with Blackburn College

Two of Blackburn’s best known establishments have joined forces in a bid to provide greater employment opportunities for students.

Blackburn College and Blackburn Rovers have teamed up to create opportunities for both organisations and for their customers. The partnership will help to promote activities for the college and for Blackburn Rovers and will develop talent and engage students in employability opportunities.  Members of Blackburn Rovers will also be on hand to support the college in developing areas of their sports curriculum.

Chair of Blackburn College’s Corporation Board, Phil Watson CBE and Blackburn Rovers Director Mike Cheston, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalise the partnership at the football club on Monday 20th February 2017.

Nicola Clayton, Director of Business Development and External Engagement at Blackburn College said:

“The memorandum formalises the great links which already exist between the College and Blackburn Rovers and will engage our students in a range of placements and employability opportunities which will prepare them for their future careers.”

“The support of local organisations, such as Blackburn Rovers, is central to us providing a vibrant and purposeful curriculum which gives our learners the skills they need to develop and advance their careers.”

“It also means there will now be a coordinated approach to work placements at the Club and the Community Trust.  This will enable students to work at Blackburn Rovers putting their learning into practice”.

Mike Cheston, Finance Director at Blackburn Rovers added,
“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to work more closely with Blackburn College.  We share an ambition to engage our communities and develop future talent.”

The College says that it is collaborations such as these which have led to 9 out of 10 students being in work or further study within six months of leaving for the fourth year in a row.

The College has also been praised from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education for its work with employers, naming it as a key strength of the College.