A pioneering project has been launched involving the Institute of Directors (IoD) and the largest sixth form in Ipswich, One.

The scheme, the first of its kind in the country to involve a sixth form college, offers students the opportunity to build links with IoD members to demonstrate and develop their readiness for entering the world of work.

Last year, One principal Alan Whittaker and vice principal Jenny Milsom travelled to the IoD’s headquarters in London to find out how the two organisations could work together for the benefit of both students and businesses.

Since then, 26 students have been chosen to join the IoD and they have now been introduced to IoD members at an event held at the college, in Scrivener Drive,Ipswich.

Jenny Milsom said: “The message we want to get out is that when our students leave us they are fit and ready for work. By joining forces with the IoD we are hopeful that we can start getting this message out.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to the IoD for putting in so much time and effort in making this unique partnership happen. Hopefully more sixth forms across the UK will now get involved.”

Luke Morris, chairman of the IoD in Suffolk, who was among those at the launch, said, “This is the first initiative of its kind in the country specifically with a sixth form centre, therefore we are delighted that Suffolk is involved in starting a campaign that will be of potential benefit to the UK as a whole.

“The IoD wants to engage with young people and the best way that can be done is through connectivity. We want to offer one to one support to students and put them in front of today’s business leaders. And in collaboration with London, the IoD is determined to put education at the very heart of what we do.

“As a country, we need to be globally competitive and we have so much talent in the UK that is at the forefront of innovation and creativity. By engaging with younger people, we will inevitably benefit as an organisation as this will create fresh ideas and new ways of thinking. This is an exciting time for us and we are delighted to be working with One.”

Rebecca Sharpe, student membership executive at the IoD in London, aded: “This is a wonderful opportunity for students at One to get work experience, learn how to network and be inspired by the business leaders that they will get to meet.”

One student Jordan Padmore made a presentation at the event, based on what he expects to get out of being a member. He currently co-runs a karaoke business with his father in addition to studying for his A-levels ande eventually hopes to become a roboticist.

He said, “I aim to get the most out of being an IoD member by building contacts and learning from the best. It will add more gravitas to my CV and feel the edge it will give me over others will be priceless.”

Following the official launch, students got the chance to talk with current IoD members. During this networking session, One students Oliver Ault and Charlie McGowan secured a day being mentored by Catherine Chambers from Easilife Cleaning Services Ltd where they will get the chance to learn about business development. One student’s will also be travelling to London in the spring where they will get to meet other IoD members.