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BMet Fellowships awarded to Brum entrepreneur and recruitment consultancy MD

Tom Cain of the InnovationXchange, Glide UK and the Ideas Factory and Rebecca Simkiss of SimkissGuy Recruitment have been commended by the college for inspiring and mentoring students with a view to improving their understanding of the world of work.

BMet Principal, Andrew Cleaves said: “Tom and Rebecca join a group of exceptional individuals who have gone over and above in their efforts to navigate our students through the jobs market and towards a diverse range of career paths.

“Never has it been more vital for students to see their industry of choice from the inside. This is something our two fellows greatly encouraged, boosting the skills, knowledge and confidence of many individuals. On behalf of all at BMet, I congratulate and thank them for believing in our learners and in turn, encouraging them to believe in themselves.”

As a board member and later the Chair of BMet’s Enterprise Academy, Tom led on a programme that ensured all students fully developed their business and entrepreneurial skills. He encouraged Glide UK to continue their tremendous support for the academy by inviting students to visit the company, receive mentoring and internships, as well as gain employment. Tom has also been instrumental in the launch of BMet’s new Creative and Digital Career College.

“My time with BMet students and staff has been incredibly rewarding and an award like this makes it all the more special,” said Tom. “It’s a real honour.

“Bringing the business community and aspiring professionals together is something that should be encouraged wherever possible – especially when it brings so many benefits to the city.”

Fellowship recipient, Rebecca and her colleagues have supported many of the students that are part of BMet’s Greater Birmingham Professional Services Academy (GBPSA) and Enterprise Academy, delivering engaging and inspirational workshops to help develop learners’ communication skills and boost their confidence in applying for jobs.

As a former chair of development and networking organisation, BPS Birmingham Future she witnessed firsthand the importance of providing mentoring services to those embarking on careers in the business and professional services sector. She enabled the college’s mature students to benefit from this mentoring, raising their aspirations and further developing their awareness of the career opportunities available in the Birmingham area.

“I am truly thrilled and honoured to receive the BMet Fellowship Award,” she said. “Over the last few years I feel that BMet has taken huge strides in reaching out to the business community through ground-breaking initiatives such as the GBPSA. As employers I believe strongly that it is our duty and responsibility to work with educators to ensure that the next generation are coming into the workplace with not just the skills to succeed, but also the attitude and aspiration to reach their full career potential.

“There are so many wonderfully diverse career options available for young people, many of which they are simply not aware of and so it is vital that we continue to communicate, collaborate and inform.”

The Fellowship Awards were presented at BMet’s Higher Education Awards ceremony held at Birmingham Town Hall. 375 students graduated from a number of higher level diplomas, foundation and full honours degree programmes.

Entrepreneur, Joel Blake OBE was the ceremony’s keynote speaker, encouraging graduands to identify a vision, take steps to move it forward and find individuals to support them.

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