Richard Huish College, in Taunton, has expanded its long standing partnership with WPA Health Insurance Services, introducing two new initiatives designed to enhance student employability and strengthen the college’s pastoral curriculum.
The collaboration, which has developed over many years, has seen WPA play an active role in supporting a wide range of college events, careers activities and employability programmes. Through its engagement with students, the Taunton-based health insurer has helped provide insights into the workplace and career opportunities available after education. 
Building on that relationship, Huish and WPA are launching a bespoke career development programme that will give 15 students the opportunity to take part in a dedicated employability scheme.
Students who successfully secure places on the programme will attend four development days throughout the academic year. The sessions will provide first-hand experience of professional working environments while helping participants develop key workplace skills, including communication, teamwork, problem solving and professional networking.
The new initiative is intended to help students gain a deeper understanding of the skills and behaviours employers value while preparing them for future career opportunities.
Alongside the employability programme, WPA is also working with the college to review and enhance its pastoral curriculum. The partnership will focus on ensuring content remains relevant and aligned with the skills and knowledge required in today’s evolving workplace.
A key element of the curriculum project will be the involvement of Huish alumni, who will share their career journeys and experiences with current students. College leaders believe these real world examples will provide valuable inspiration and practical insight for young people as they consider their future pathways.
A Huish spokesperson said the partnership continued to deliver significant benefits for both organisations and, most importantly, for students. The spokesperson added that WPA’s long term commitment to supporting learners has played an important role in helping young people develop confidence, skills and career aspirations.
The college said collaborations between education providers and employers demonstrate the value of working together to help prepare the workforce of the future. Huish representatives also expressed their appreciation for WPA’s ongoing support and said they look forward to seeing the impact of the new initiatives during the coming year.
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