Valuable insights
Beyond their direct input on the website, the students also shared valuable insights into how younger generations interact with digital platforms and social media. Their feedback highlighted what young people want from a local government website, from easy-to-navigate pages to relevant and engaging content.
Honey Parmar, Student President at Central Bedfordshire College, reflected on the experience:
“It was a very fulfilling experience to work on the Dunstable Town Council website revamp project. Together with a competent team, we worked to make the website more aesthetically pleasing and easy to use. My responsibilities included helping to create the layout and making sure the information was interesting and simple to find. I gained insight into community-focused initiatives and gained useful skills in digital design, creative problem-solving and cooperation via this project. Witnessing our concepts become a reality and have a beneficial influence on the neighbourhood was really satisfying.”
Jon Faulkner, CEO of 6bythree Digital, praised their involvement:
“The students’ input has been invaluable. Their perspectives have helped us design a website that is not only functional but also connects with younger users in a meaningful way. It’s been fantastic to see their ideas shape this project.”
An opportunity to develop skills
This collaboration forms part of a broader initiative to modernise Dunstable Town Council’s digital presence, ensuring that the website serves all members of the community effectively. The project, commissioned through a public tender in late September 2024, will be completed with the website handover in March 2025. In addition to the students’ contributions, the redevelopment includes improvements in accessibility, navigation and engagement tools.
For the students involved, this project has been an invaluable opportunity to develop skills in digital marketing, user experience, and branding—real-world experience that will support their future careers.
Central Bedfordshire College is proud to support student engagement in live projects that benefit the local community, offering learners the chance to make a tangible impact while developing essential career skills.
For more information on Central Bedfordshire College and the courses on offer, visit https://bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/central-bedfordshire-college/
