‘I am unquestionably inspired by the difference education can make to so many lives’

Rob Hazelton is the Managing Director of Partners in Bristol, a subsidiary of City of Bristol College and an organisation that provide solution-focused training, delivering skills that companies need.

Established in 2020, Partners in Bristol understand the importance of smooth-running business, and believe that everyone should be given the opportunity to learn and grow within their chosen career.

They provide high quality, professionally-designed curricula to ensure progression.

They pride themselves on good, business; which is why they have partnered with those who hold the same values. All of their partners have been meticulously selected to ensure that they can help Partners in Bristol to fulfil their goals and sufficiently support each of their sector-based curricula.

Speaking with Bristol24/7, Rob shed some light on various topics including his background, what a ‘better Bristol’ would look like to him and what he wants to see from the Bristol business community in the next five years.

What’s the one thing that inspires you to get up in the morning?

“Having spent the majority of my working life in education I am unquestionably inspired by the difference education can make to so many lives on a daily basis. There are always the little wins like seeing someone passing a test or speaking in a group project; but there is also the big picture.

“At Partners in Bristol, we deliver training that makes a substantial difference to lives. Not just delivering qualifications but creating change for businesses and individuals alike, we have been able to support over seven thousand learners and with our nationally high into work rates, the majority of those entering the job market.

“Having sat at the forefront, I am continuously inspired by the passion and dedication of my team to make that happen. Going above and beyond to overcome barriers and giving everyone the opportunity to change their life.”

What action could you as an individual take? What action could your company take?

“Month on month we continue to see new partnerships and new projects that surpass my expectations and make me very proud to come to work. The newest is our partnership with Vistry project in Lockleaze, allowing students to gain construction qualifications on a live building site working directly with employers as they train. Through this we support Bristol people in gaining CSCS qualifications on the site of this project, they can then gain jobs building affordable homes for other Bristol people, it really is the full circle.”

What does a Better Bristol mean to you?

“I believe this is what a better Bristol looks like: it would be to continue to grow and advance its network of support services and organisations that allow these changes to happen. Partnerships are at the centre of our business and our attitude. Continuing to grow and strengthen our partnerships has allowed us to reach and support a much larger number of individuals.

“Our current relationship with the Department of Work and Pensions has my team working directly in local job centres where conversations can happen quickly and early on in their search for work. This can make a real difference in individuals understanding their options and the opportunities that are available to them.

“With the stats showing that the longer someone is out of work the harder it is for them to find employment, it really is all about working together to act fast and in the best interest of each individual.

“In addition, our new venture ‘Launch pad’ in The Galleries shopping centre is allowing a multitude of different services to all work under one roof. Not just becoming a one-stop shop for anyone looking for support or gaining employment.  But also, with so many services being in one location has enabled collaboration and cross-referral with everyone working towards the overall aim of making a difference.

“I believe that if projects like this continue to strengthen and grow it will allow more individuals to reach out with a better understanding of the support available to them as well as support all services to do the same.”

What do you want to see from the Bristol business community in the next five years?

“Moving forward I would love to see even more engagement and focus from the Bristol Business community in supporting the public of Bristol to enter the job market and find long-term meaningful employment. I hope PIB will remain at the forefront of making that happen.”

Main photo: City of Bristol College

Read next:

• ‘The challenges along the way have simply made me stronger’
• West of England Combined Authority joins the Better Business Network
• Recruitment company works to improve social mobility with office move

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast: