North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) boss Paul McEldon is preparing for an education, after taking on an additional role at the start of this month.
Mr McEldon, who has been at the helm of the BIC for more than a decade, got started in his role this week at Sunderland College, bringing his business experience to the table as part of a newly formed board headed up by former-newspaper editor Rob Lawson.
Mr McEldon said the role represented an exciting opportunity to shape and influence education in the city.
He said: “I’m delighted to have joined the college’s board and look forward to bringing my own views and expertise to the table.
“Education is absolutely fundamental to the ongoing development of the city’s workforce – whether that is school-leavers looking to further their education with A-Level studies and vocational studies, or those already working taking a course to enhance their skills.
“Aligning education to the needs of industry is paramount, and that is something I am well placed to take forward given my work at the BIC, an organisation that is right at the heart of the North East’s business community.”
Mr McEldon officially began his new role on June 1, as part of a board of twenty. The board will offer advice and support to the college, helping it to reach out to the business community, and support with the skills gaps in the area.
Anne Isherwood, Sunderland College principal, said: “We have a team of incredibly talented and experienced business professionals working with the college to ensure that we are able to tailor courses to meet the needs of industry.
“We’re thrilled Paul is joining the team and we know his skills will further strengthen our strategy of working closely with a range of sectors across the region.
“It’s a strategy that enables our students to leave Sunderland College ‘work ready’ and able to compete in the jobs market, and it provides employers with a skilled workforce ready to boost economic regeneration.”
