Unlocking the potential of Industry Associates in Further Education

Last week the Gatsby Charitable Foundation was delighted to welcome delegates to the Unlocking the Potential of Industry Associates event, introducing stakeholders from across the further education and skills system to the Industry Associates programme.

Industry Associates are industry experts who support teaching in further education (FE) in a variety of ways, bringing their up-to-date insights to activities such as delivery of masterclasses, supporting the design of curricula or co-delivery of sessions. Industry Associates are also well placed to broaden links between providers and industry and are role models for students aspiring to join technical fields. However, despite their industry expertise, research has highlighted that Industry Associates can lack confidence once within an FE setting.

The event introduced the Industry Associates programme, which includes structured training designed to offer industry professionals a ‘soft landing’ into FE. It supports participants to build confidence, develop a grounding in pedagogy, and take their first steps in contributing to teaching through robust provider-led training.

Delegates were particularly pleased to welcome The Rt Hon. Baroness Smith of Malvern, Minister for Skills, who delivered a keynote address reinforcing the importance of bringing current industry expertise into further education.

The Minister emphasised the role that the Industry Associates programme can play in strengthening teaching quality and creating new pathways for experienced professionals to contribute to the sector. As she noted, “This programme is creating that robust bridge between industry and education, bringing cutting-edge occupational expertise directly into classrooms.”

Across the day, delegates were introduced to the programme and findings from pilot delivery at five colleges: Barnsley College, City of Liverpool College, East Lancashire Learning Group, Oldham College and Wigan & Leigh College.

This evaluation evidenced developments in the confidence, professional identity and readiness of Industry Associates, with emerging evidence of support for skills that are taken back into industry following the programme. The pilot panel shared their experience of delivery and lessons they will carry forward for future cohorts.

In the afternoon, delegates were invited to reflect on proposals to scale the programme through a networked approach. There was strong interest in adopting the programme from providers and regions, alongside recognition that coordination, quality assurance and shared learning will be important to support consistent delivery as it expands.

Gatsby convened this event as part of its wider work to strengthen the further education workforce and build closer links between education and industry.

An expression of interest will be shared in late May 2026 for FE providers and local area partners wishing to engage with the next phase of the programme.

“This event was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate progress for the Industry Associates programme whilst very much looking forward to sharing the work with more partners. The programme is part of Gatsby’s wider work to support sustainable solutions to recruitment and retention for FE teachers across the country – teachers who have the appropriate industry and pedagogical expertise, and who are – like the students they support – well-prepared for fulfilling careers.”

Jenifer Burden, Director of Programmes, Gatsby Charitable Foundation