Business Students gain real-world experience by planning employer event 

BTEC and T Level Business students at Middlesbrough College were recently given a unique opportunity to develop their professional skills by planning and hosting a networking event for local employers in collaboration with the Meldrum Group. 

The project tasked students with simulating a real-world business scenario. They were approached by the Meldrum Group to organise the event, taking on all aspects of the planning process from start to finish. This included marketing and budget development, securing a venue, arranging catering, and ensuring health and safety compliance. 

Over a three-month period, students worked in sub-groups, each focusing on specific job roles within the project. Regular meetings mirrored a professional work environment, fostering communication and teamwork skills. 

“Tracy Cuthbertson from the Meldrum Group introduced us to the company and outlined their expectations for the event,” explained Lilia Long, a BTEC Level 3 Business student. “They provided us with brand guidelines and examples of their previous invitations to help us design our own.” 

The culmination of the project was the successful networking event held at the Waterside Brasserie at Middlesbrough College. Over 15 local employers attended, providing valuable networking opportunities for themselves while witnessing the students’ hard work come to fruition. 

“It was a fantastic experience working with the T Level students as a team,” said Ryan Cavanagh, studying BTEC Level 3 Business. “I learned a lot amount about teamwork, effective communication, and problem-solving skills.” 

Another student, Victory Ifeanyi-Ozukwe, also studying BTEC Level 3 Business, highlighted the event’s impact on their personal development: “We had the opportunity to interact with guests from different occupations. This definitely boosted my confidence in speaking to new people, which will hopefully be beneficial for my future career.” 

Tracy Cuthbertson, Group Business Development Director at the Meldrum Group, was impressed by the students’ achievements. “We’ve partnered with Middlesbrough College for some time now, offering work experience opportunities,” she said. “We typically host two networking events per year in the Tees Valley, and this year, we decided to entrust one of them to the Business students to help them develop their skills. It’s been amazing to see them collaborate and execute a successful event. They should all be very proud of themselves!” 

The Meldrum Group, a North East construction innovator, offers integrated building solutions across the UK. Their focus on quality and client satisfaction has led to rapid growth and a reputation for integrity. Click here for more information about the company. 

Middlesbrough College offers a comprehensive range of business study programs catering to all levels, including vocational BTEC qualifications, T Levels, apprenticeships, and higher education degrees. To explore the various business courses available, click here.