The Centre opened on 1 March 2012, when around 100 local business people were given the opportunity to tour the school’s new business facilities and meet students.
Representatives of the local business community were given a guided tour around the Centre’s different zones, each of which represents a different aspect of commercial thinking and activity. At each zone, they were given a short presentation by students involved with the Centre.
Many of the students are already involved in practical work experience programmes laid on by Budmouth College. Some are involved with the running of the College stationery kiosk while others help produce the internal magazine. Others have six week sponsored work placements with external firms.
The Centre of Excellence also offers meeting and training space for local businesses, and opportunities to involve students in these events. This has the potential for mutual benefit, with students getting insights into the workplace and firms gaining new perspectives from young minds.
In his opening address at the event, College Principal David Akers made it clear that he wanted Budmouth students to leave with both academic success and some commercial experience under their belts.
The driving force behind the establishment of the Centre of Excellence has been Marcel Ciantar, Budmouth’s Director of Enterprise, supported by Lynn Toman.
They have been sponsored by a number of local organisations and firms including: Battens Solicitors, Bournemouth University, Champagne Films, Dorset County Council, Lloyds TSB, Moonfleet Manor, Open 4 Business, Sirius Business Services, Swift Signs, Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce and WSX Enterprise.
