A great business speed mentoring event!
On 30 April 2026, SkillsHouse CTE partnered with the Yorkshire Asian Business Association (YABA) to deliver a highly successful speed mentoring event at Bradford College, designed to connect Business students with experienced local professionals. The session focused on building confidence, improving employability, and strengthening links between education and the local business community.
The event was created with three clear aims:
- To give Business students direct access to real-world business insights
- To allow learners to start conversations with local employers
- To support learners in developing career clarity and professional confidence
The speed mentoring format enabled students who are currently studying BTEC Business or T Level Management and Administration to take part in a series of short, focused conversations with multiple entrepreneurs and business mentors. Each interaction allowed learners to ask targeted questions about careers, start‑ups, and progression routes, receive personalised advice on CVs, required knowledge and skills, interviews, and workplace expectations and gain insight into different business roles that exist across several industry sectors.
The event delivered strong outcomes for the young people in attendance. It was a great opportunity for Business learners to start their networking journey with local organisations.
Catherine Vincent, Curriculum Team Leader for Business, Bradford College:
“This event is so useful for our business students. It is invaluable that they are able to directly talk to employers and find out what is required to enter the world of work.”
Many students now have a clearer understanding of business roles across different sectors, such as architecture, construction, finance, manufacturing and transport. Learners were given advice to support their progression into employment and are now going away and acting on the advice and feedback in preparation for their early career.
Satvir Meen, Project Director, Yorkshire Asian Business Association:
“YABA and NPH are proud to support the speed mentoring event delivered with Bradford College and Bradford Council. Using our established network of trusted employers, we ensured that students had access to high‑quality professionals who could offer relevant, real‑world insight. The session gave learners the opportunity to build confidence, broaden their aspirations, and gain practical understanding of local career pathways. Working in partnership with Bradford College and the Council demonstrates the impact of collaboration in creating meaningful employer engagement and positive outcomes for young people across the district.”
Rachel Knight, Architect, Bowman Riley Architects:
“This event has been incredibly eye opening and full of enthusiastic students keen to get into the working world. A fabulous opportunity to highlight the many roles available to young people within Architecture that they may not have considered before.”