Bridging Education and Industry

Welcome to "Ask The Expert", Silverstone Technology Cluster’s podcast. In each episode, we invite seasoned professionals and industry leaders to share their insights, experiences, and strategies for navigating the complexities of modern business and the advanced engineering landscape.

In this episode, our host Jeannie speaks with Jason Lancaster, Principal of Northampton College, about how Further Education providers and employers can work together to build the skilled workforce of tomorrow.

Jason shares how FE-employer partnerships are tailored to meet business needs, what makes them succeed, and the opportunities available for employers. We also discuss the challenge of inspiring young people — and how your approach can make all the difference.

Tune in for practical insights on connecting education with industry to shape a stronger future.

Meet our Expert:
Jason studied electronic engineering before starting his career as a part time teacher at Newcastle-under-Lyme College (now Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group).

He spent ten years at the College, moving into management including introducing new provision in construction and telecommunications and having responsibility for a wide range of curriculum areas. In this time, he oversaw ongoing improvements to students’ outcomes as well as introducing significant new provision for full-time, part-time and apprenticeship students in construction and telecommunications.

He left the College in 2008 to move into consultancy across the FE and skills sector. For the following years, he undertook a wide range of roles including as an Ofsted inspector, interim manager and supporting a range of colleges and independent learning providers improve their provision. This included supporting several providers to improve their grades and the standard of their provision. In 2017, he joined Northampton College as interim Vice Principal for Performance Improvement, working with the team to secure it’s ‘Good’ Ofsted grade and overseeing the College’s apprenticeship provision.

Since leaving the College in late 2019, he has held senior leadership roles at both Stoke-on-Trent College and Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group. At Stoke-on-Trent College as Deputy Principal, he supported the College on its continuing journey towards achieving Ofsted grade 2 after a very long period of challenges. At NSCG, he led the development of the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Institute of Technology including developing a comprehensive curriculum and leading the design of the new £18M Hub building.

This episode is brought to you by Cottons Group. Established as one of the UK’s leading independent accountancy firms, Cottons Group supports businesses of all sizes with expert financial advice, audit, tax, and business consultancy services. With a strong focus on building lasting client relationships, their team combines technical excellence with practical insight to help organisations grow with confidence. From start-ups to established enterprises, Cottons Group delivers tailored solutions designed to optimise performance, ensure compliance, and unlock new opportunities. By partnering closely with their clients, they empower businesses to make informed decisions, drive efficiency, and achieve sustainable success in an ever-changing marketplace.
Recorded and produced by The Pod Collective.