Education - Business Links

Improving the links between Education and Business is key to improving the UK's competitiveness in the international arena. One of the main ways of introducing young people to the world of work is Work Experience, which is a statutory right for all pupils in their last year of compulsory education.

By encouraging links between education and the world of business we can raise standards in education, increase employability skills and prepare young people for adult and working life.

There are a range of activities which business volunteers and the wider community can become involved with such as:

• Offering work placements to support curriculum delivery, vocational learning and the 14-19 Diplomas
• Supporting business and enterprise workshops enabling learners to gain awareness of the skills, attitudes and qualities required to succeed in the world of work
• Providing coaching and feedback on interview techniques to learners
• Mentoring support for learners and teachers
• Offering teacher placements to develop and share knowledge.

Through these activities, employers can make a direct contribution to the education of learners, helping to impact directly on tomorrow’s workforce.

NEBA (Nottinghamshire Business Education Alliance)

As the lead accountable body for education business links in Nottinghamshire, NEBA brokers and maintains successful partnerships between education and business. Our aim is to ensure that work-related learning is supported by effective employer engagement in order to raise attainment, improve employability skills and develop enterprise capabilities for learners aged 14-19.

NEBA has a dedicated team of Business Engagement Advisers who create and maintain effective partnerships between the business world and education. This team works to support motivated business volunteers from all employment sectors who can champion work-related learning and become role models to inspire, mentor and encourage learners.

For more information on how you can become involved please contact the Business Engagement Team on 01623 404345, email business@neba.org.uk or visit www.neba.info.

A Young Apprentice is a young person aged 14-16 who chooses to follow a vocational course as one option at Key Stage 4 to spend part of the time with a Training Provider or at College, and part at work whilst completing a range of GCSEs at school. They enjoy a practical approach to learning and learning about work through work. Student Apprentices can progress to a Foundation or Advanced Apprenticeship on leaving school.

Diplomas

In 2008 a new qualification for 14 to 19 year olds at three levels is being introduced – The Diploma. It’s part of a national programme to widen the choice of courses for young people, to motivate them and encourage them to continue learning for longer. It will help them to gain the qualifications they need for success – at work, at college or university.

The Diploma is based around key employment sectors in the UK. Starting in 2008, there will be five Diploma subjects available:

• Construction and the Built Environment
• Creative and Media
• Engineering
• Information Technology
• Society, Health and Development

Another five will be introduced in September 2009, a further four starting in September 2010, and three more following in 2011.

Diplomas were developed with employers, to help meet the needs of business. Young people will get the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to do well at work. Young people taking Diplomas will get the chance to spend at least ten days working with an employer. Employers benefit from a wider pool of better qualified recruits who understand their business or industry.

What is the difference between Diplomas and Apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships are for those who already know which career they want to pursue. They provide training for specific jobs. Diplomas give young people an insight into particular employment sectors, alongside a fully rounded education. So a student with an engineering diploma, for example, can choose from a wide range of areas across related industries or something in a completely different area. Employers and universities will know that they still have the generic skills that they value most.

For more information about the new Diplomas go to: www.direct.gov.uk/diplomas.