Our new academy with historic accounting firm

We have officially opened an academy partnership with well-known local accounting practice Harris and Co.

The more than 100-year-old firm, which supports clients around Yorkshire and further afield from its base on Huddersfield Road, Barnsley, has had a rich history with the College. Almost half of its staff are former students and apprentices, many going straight from study to work after completing AAT Level 2 or Level 3 courses.

That relationship has been formalised in the latest of our growing range of academies – employer-led partnerships that give students access to more high-quality education and training, with more opportunities to experience the world of work.

The Harris and Co Academy will be based in the Old Mill Lane campus and will see students encouraged to consider placements with the employer – which is in turn given input into the curriculum to ensure it meets the needs of the local labour market.

Barnsley College Vice Principal for Curriculum, Shaun Cook, said: “A big thank you to Harris+Co for working with us and supporting the College in this partnership which is key for our young people.

“More and more, we are hearing from employers about how important it is for people to pick up those skills that are necessary to work in employment, not just qualifications.

“The relationship we are entering into is going to be absolutely phenomenal. The number of staff members working with Harris+Co that have come through the College at some point shows it is already working.

“We hope developing this relationship further will help our students, and the company, become a real asset going forward.”

Harris+Co Partner Tom Garner said: “The opening of the new Harris+Co Employer Academy builds on the longstanding relationship Harris+Co has with Barnsley College.

“Barnsley College is an asset to our town and its vision to transform lives is one that Harris+Co is proud to continue to support.

“Almost 50 per cent of our staff have been at College at one point or another and we hope to continue that trend and continue to proudly represent our town.”