The Bedford College Group, which has campuses across Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire, has welcomed Kettering-based manufacturer Marsh Industries as its latest Employer Partner, building on an existing relationship with Tresham College that has already seen students visit the company’s manufacturing site and explore careers in the industry.
Marsh Industries manufactures wastewater treatment systems, including sewage treatment plants, septic tanks and pump stations. Originally a family-run business, it has grown over the past 20 years, with the family still actively involved today.
Last year, the company attended an Open Day at Tresham College’s Corby campus, bringing along a cutaway septic tank to show students how its products work. Students have also visited Marsh Industries’ Kettering site to see the manufacturing process first-hand and learn about careers ranging from sales and administration to electrical engineering and skilled trades.
Through The Bedford College Group’s Employer Partnership Scheme, businesses commit to supporting activities throughout the academic year, helping students gain real-world experience and a better understanding of industry expectations and career opportunities.
Marsh Industries will continue to support open days, careers events, employer talks and site visits, as well as contributing to the Group’s Industry Advisory Boards.
Opening doors for young people
Ashley White, Area Sales Manager at Marsh Industries, is already an active board member and has volunteered to deliver a session for students resitting English and maths, explaining how these subjects are used in the workplace.
Ashley knows first-hand that there are different routes into a career. After facing challenges during his education, he chose not to attend university and worked briefly in retail before joining Marsh Industries. He has since become the company’s top-performing sales representative and a Young Ambassador for the Builders Merchants Federation.
Ashley said: “The industry needs young people. It’s important to open doors and give them the confidence to explore what’s available.
“Not everyone follows the same route into a career, and there are so many different roles within our industry that students might not have considered. We hope that by sharing what we do, we might uncover the next gem of the industry!”
Rachel Roberts, Partnership Manager at The Bedford College Group, said: “Marsh Industries was already getting involved with our students long before becoming an official Employer Partner. From bringing a septic tank into college to welcoming students onto its manufacturing site, the team has made a real effort to show them what working in the industry looks like.
“Ashley’s own career story is also something students can relate to. Hearing from someone who has taken a different route can make a real difference, and we’re looking forward to continuing our work with the team at Marsh.”
For more information about The Bedford College Group’s Employer Partnership Scheme, visit the Bedford College Group website.
About The Bedford College Group
The Bedford College Group is the largest provider of education in the South East Midlands, with over 18,000 students passing through its doors each year. The Group is made up of a family of colleges across Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire: Bedford College, Central Bedfordshire College and Tresham College in the towns of Bedford, Corby, Dunstable, Kettering, Leighton Buzzard, Luton and Wellingborough; Shuttleworth College, a specialist land-based college; The Bedford Sixth Form; The Corby Sixth Form; the National College for Logistics; and the National College for Motorsport alongside Silverstone race circuit. The Group also has community-based Learning Centres in Bedford, Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough which offer IT training.
Image: Ashley White, Area Sales Manager at Marsh Industries, and Rachel Roberts, Partnership Manager at The Bedford College Group.
