Southwark College recently hosted a Business, Digital and Service Industries Conference, bringing industry experts and employer partners to campus for a day of career insight, networking and practical learning. The event connected students from a range of curriculum areas with professionals from their chosen sectors, reinforcing the College’s commitment to preparing students for future careers.
Business learners began the day with a session led by the Bank of England, where they explored the UK economy and took part in a simulated interest rate decision-making exercise. They also participated in an interactive entrepreneurship workshop delivered by former The Apprentice finalist Adam Corbally, who challenged them to develop and pitch their own business ideas.
Adam said: “It’s been fantastic working with such an enthusiastic group of Southwark students. They embraced the challenge of developing a business idea from scratch, showcasing creativity, teamwork and confidence. It was inspiring to see their ambition, and I can’t wait to come back next year.”
Digital and technology students explored emerging industry trends through a series of specialist sessions. Dr Colin Williams, Business CTO and Field CISO at Computacenter, shared insights into the growing influence of artificial intelligence and cyber security, helping learners understand how technology is shaping the future workplace.
Students also took part in a collaborative workshop within the College’s Digital Hub, where coding students supported T Level Digital Production students in developing practical programming skills. In addition, representatives from Amazon Business provided further insight into career pathways within a global technology organisation and highlighted the wide range of opportunities available across the digital sector.
Those studying service industries benefited from a dedicated session exploring future careers in aviation. Industry expert Omar Hadjel discussed the growing demand for skilled professionals across the sector, from airport operations to airline management.
The session was followed by a live in-flight service demonstration delivered by Travel and Tourism learners, showcasing the customer service, communication and teamwork skills developed through their studies.
The conference concluded with a session co-delivered by the College of Policing, exploring the impact of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, on modern policing. Learners were encouraged to consider the importance of ethical decision-making and the evolving nature of careers within public service.
By the end of the day, learners had engaged with more than a dozen employers and industry specialists, gaining valuable insight into careers in business, finance, technology, aviation and public service. Through direct employer engagement and real-world learning experiences, the conference helped participants build confidence, expand their professional networks and develop a deeper understanding of the opportunities available after college.
The event highlighted the strength of Southwark College's employer partnerships and its commitment to providing meaningful experiences that support progression into higher education, apprenticeships and employment.
