The collaboration between Bradford College and Prospect Change is a good example of how industry experts and education providers can work together to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the workplace.
Since the partnership began in 2022, it has offered students practical learning opportunities that enhance their skills and open doors to new career paths, particularly in the field of Project, Programme, and Portfolio Management (PMO).
We had the pleasure of speaking with Jen Anderton and Ruth Geddes, co-founders of Prospect Change, to learn more about their company’s mission, their goals for the partnership, and how it’s already making an impact on our students and community.
What is PMO and How Does Prospect Change Support Businesses?
Ruth explained that Project, Programme, or Portfolio Management Office (PMO) is essentially about helping organisations manage change. “No organisation can afford to stand still in today’s world. Whether it’s staying ahead of competition or responding to legislative changes, businesses need to adapt. That’s where we come in. We help them plan, coordinate, and deliver these changes effectively.”
Jen added, “When we started Prospect Change in 2022, we had two clear goals: we wanted to be the go-to for PMO expertise in the region, and we wanted to establish a pathway for students into the PMO profession because there currently isn’t a clear one.” This vision has been key to their partnership with Bradford College.
Why Bradford College?
Jen and Ruth both have deep roots in Bradford, having lived in the city all their lives. It was a natural decision to partner with Bradford College. Ruth said, “We’re raising families here, building our business here, so why not start setting PMO standards here as well?”
We wanted to start locally, and Bradford College welcomed us with open arms.
Ruth Geddes, co-founder of Prospect Change
This shared commitment to the city and its future workforce laid the foundation for the partnership, which quickly evolved into the creation of the Prospect Change Academy.
The Prospect Change Academy
In 2023, the partnership reached a new level with the launch of the Prospect Change Academy, aimed at giving students hands-on experience in PMO roles. “We initially delivered taster sessions in 2022 with Business and Travel and Tourism students. The Academy came to life in 2023, and the results have been incredible,” said Jen.
One of the standout success stories of the Academy involves two former Bradford College students: Devanshu Kumar and Asha Ryan. Both 19 years old, Devanshu completed his Level 3 Business course in 2023, and Asha completed her Level 3 Travel and Tourism course the same year. Following their involvement in the Academy, both were hired by Prospect Change on a part-time, fixed-term basis. Ruth said, “Their growth has been beyond what we could have expected, and they’ve become pivotal members of our team.”
In a full-circle moment, Devanshu recently returned to Bradford College to deliver a talk on communication skills to current students, offering advice based on his own journey from student to employee.
Why Industry Partnerships Matter
When asked what advice they would give to other businesses about working with education providers, Ruth said: “If a business wants to exist in 10 to 30 years, it has to take responsibility for bridging the gap between education and employment. Partnering with Bradford College is an essential part of that process.”
She went on to talk about the importance of preparing for the future workforce. “We need to be thinking about how we bring in the next generation and adapt our workplaces to their needs. Organisations shouldn’t see this as optional; it should be part of their growth and vision.”
A Partnership That Benefits Students and the Community
The partnership between Bradford College and Prospect Change has already produced tangible benefits for both students and the wider community. Students involved in the programme gain essential skills that align with industry trends, including communication and presentation skills, which Ruth describes as “vital for success in any sector.”
Prospect Change has also played an active role in shaping the College’s new Business T-Level programme. “We’re complementing the students’ learning with industry insights, such as masterclasses and preparation for industry placements,” Jen explained. “We’re also helping students with soft skills like networking, which is key to career development.”
Looking Ahead
For Ruth and Jen, the most rewarding part of this partnership is seeing former students like Devanshu and Asha thrive. “To watch them grow from students to essential members of our team has been incredible,” Ruth shared. “It’s a testament to what we’re building together with Bradford College.”
As a local business, Prospect Change takes pride in working with the College to create opportunities for young people in Bradford. “We’re not just helping students—we’re contributing to the future workforce of our community,” Jen added.
Partnering with Prospect Change shows the impact of combining education and real-word experience.
If you’d like to learn more about our courses and how you can benefit from similar partnerships, explore the opportunities we offer at Bradford College today.