Get Involved In Developing Your

Future Workforce...

From September this year, students in Newcastle will have the chance to be amongst the first young people in the country to study the new Diplomas, a qualification which aims to bridge the gap between theoretical and practical learning.
Newcastle is one of only 10 local authorities nationally to have been approved to pilot all of the first 5 Diploma lines to be launched: Construction and the Built Environment; Engineering; Society, Health & Development; Creative & Media and Information Technology.

Over 5000 employers have been involved in the development of the Diplomas ensuring that the qualifications will equip students with the attributes and skills most necessary to progress successfully into employment or university.

Information Sharing:

Michael and Ross from St Mary’s School and Simon Grundy, an Associate with Ryder Architecture, discuss how employers can support Diplomas

Gillian Bulman, Chief Executive of Newcastle Education Business Partnership (NEBP), explained why companies should consider becoming involved in supporting the delivery of Diplomas, “Many local companies have been involved in supporting education in Newcastle through NEBP activities over recent years and have benefited in a number of ways such as the personal development of their staff and a heightening of their company profile amongst prospective customers/employees. The advent of Diplomas provides many new opportunities for companies of all sizes to influence the skills and knowledge of young people whilst developing new recruitment channels, enhancing the company’s image and reputation and contributing to their corporate social responsibility”.

NEBP Project Manager, Peter Mawer, was asked in which ways companies can get involved; “The Diplomas have been designed to be delivered in a collaborative way and local consortia are encouraged to develop models which benefit the students and companies of the region best. Employers/employees from the largest or smallest companies in the region giving a talk on their job/industry will bring to life the theory being taught in school; Setting actual business problems for students to solve as part of a project would add an invaluable level of realism to their study; Hosting a teacher for a day or longer to update their industry knowledge would ensure that the students are, in turn, receiving the most up to date information; Hosting a student on a work placement would pull together the course and enhance their employability skills. There is no minimum or maximum level of involvement from companies; all involvement will be valued and will build towards giving students the head start they need to succeed in employment or higher education”.