Partnerships with employers and professional organisations are helping Newbury College students turn ambition into careers. From studio time on historic synthesisers to hands-on community projects, these collaborations give students real-world experience while offering partners fresh ideas, profile and a pipeline of local talent.
In July, Music Technology students were invited to The Townshend Studio at the University of West London in Ealing. The studio was developed following Pete Townshend’s donation of historic synthesisers and other significant music technology equipment. The collection includes the Lowrey organ used on Baba O’Riley from The Who’s 1971 album Who’s Next. Equipment is set up for students and guests to play, capture samples for their own projects, and study these landmark instruments. The Townshend Studio launched in October 2024 at UWL’s St Mary’s Road campus.
“It was great to be invited to bring some students to the Townshend Studio this summer,”
said Matt Foster, Course Leader for Music Technology.
“They have been using computer-based synthesisers for their coursework during this academic year, to see and use some of the historic synths these computer simulations are based on was a real treat. It also allowed them to see how music technology has developed since the 1970s.”
These links reflect the College’s ‘Careers, not courses’ ethos, connecting learning to industry and community needs.
Partners gain fresh ideas and profile, such as when 4LEGS Community Radio welcomed Media students for six-week placements, or when Prior’s Court invited Foundation Learning students to help regenerate garden spaces, creating visible community impact and supporting vocational learning for young people with complex autism.
If you are an employer or organisation who can offer visits, live briefs, placements or talks, the College would love to work with you. Visit newbury-college.ac.uk/employers for more information.
For students, they can benefit from direct access to industry-standard environments. Confidence and employability grow as they produce and present work to employers, identify next steps, and prepare for apprenticeships or higher study.
It’s not too late to enrol at Newbury College. Find out more about technical and vocational programmes that build skills, confidence and careers at newbury-college.ac.uk