Ambition [HUB]: Addressing our community’s employment needs

By Furkan Uddin, Head of Professional and Leisure Services, Bradford College, finalists for the Edge Award for Excellence in Real World Learning at the 2024/25 Beacon Awards.

At Bradford College, we believe in empowering young people and the Ambition [HUB] is at the heart of this. We were thrilled to be finalists for this award, and to be recognised for our dedication to innovative education and community impact.

Why was Ambition [HUB] created?

Our region, while rich in history and culture, faces significant challenges. Ambition [HUB] was created to address the unique needs of our community, guided by the priorities laid out in the 2021 Skills for Jobs White Paper.

Bradford is the 13th most deprived local authority in England, with unemployment rates above regional and national averages. Over 80% of our students come from the UK’s most disadvantaged areas.

Local employers have been clear about what is missing in many young job applicants: those vital “power” skills; communication, teamwork, resilience, and ambition. These are the skills that stay with you for life and are key to thriving in today’s workplace.

That is why we launched Ambition [HUB] in 2022. It is an exclusive stretch and challenge for our Level 3 students, designed to push them further, develop these critical skills, and help them build meaningful connections with the world of work.

How does Ambition [HUB] work?

Ambition [HUB] is a programme designed exclusively for our Level 3 students, that goes beyond the textbooks. Thanks to our partnerships with employers, we have created a dynamic learning space that blends vocational skills, collaboration across disciplines, and real-world industry connections.

What really sets Ambition [HUB] apart is its inclusive and creative approach. Students and professionals from all sorts of backgrounds work together on projects led by employers. Students develop their “power” skills working collaboratively with other students across college. These one-of-a-kind experiences build technical skills while boosting confidence.

Every term, Ambition [HUB] masterclasses bring students together for exciting, employer-led projects. From building sustainable bird boxes to performing Shakespeare or creating short films, these sessions are all about trying new things, working as a team, and building skills that truly matter for their futures.

Ambition [HUB] ensures students get a well-rounded education. They juggle their regular studies with masterclasses, hands-on projects, and opportunities for work placements. Each department is led by an expert with strong ties to employers, ensuring the programme stays up to date with industry trends.

What is next for Ambition [HUB]?

As Ambition [HUB] enters its third year, we are excited to keep pushing boundaries. We have opened clear pathways for Level 2 students to progress. We plan to expand Ambition [HUB] to include Level 2 students and create tailored programmes for learners with special educational needs (SEND).

Our network of employer partners has grown impressively, from just four at launch to over 17 today. These employers have been important in helping us reshape our curriculum to meet local workforce demands, building on insights from the CTE Bradford Council’s skills landscape.

By staying connected to employer feedback, we ensure Ambition [HUB] remains relevant and impactful. To support this growth, we are investing in additional resources, including more staff, to give even more students access to valuable work experience.

How has Ambition [HUB] impacted our community?

We have already made a difference to over 160 students, and we are aiming to double that soon. Students are developing essential skills like leadership, resilience, and teamwork, while building connections with our employers.

Some recent highlights include Travel & Tourism students managing a “takeover day” at the Great Victoria Hotel and Sports students learning disability awareness through wheelchair rugby with the Bradford Bulls. These hands-on experiences leave a lasting impression—not just on the students, but on staff too.

Last year, we collaborated with over 17 regional and national employers, who benefitted from CPD opportunities and fulfilled their corporate social responsibility goals. By working with local partners, we are aligning Bradford’s workforce needs with the talents of our students, creating positive change for the whole community.

Thinking of starting something similar? Here’s our advice

Ambition [HUB]’s success lies in its collaborative approach. Sharing best practices with colleges such as Exeter and East Kent have been invaluable, and we encourage others to adopt a similar mindset. Engage employers early, listen to community needs, and embrace creativity in curriculum design. Most importantly, believe in the potential of every student to achieve greatness.