Working with Schools
Diplomas
The latest qualifications to be introduced are Diplomas – these
qualifications are aimed at those who are still at school, but are
keen to follow a vocational or applied route.
Diplomas will be available in a number of areas including
engineering and manufacturing.
The Engineering Diploma, available in schools from September
2008, will provide young people with a foundation in engineering
principles, both theoretical and practical. The qualification will
allow them the progress to higher levels of study or employment and
will provide employers with the skilled young people they need.
Educational Visits
Do you want to open your company to schools and colleges, but
worry that health and safety issues make it impossible?
A new guide published by EEF, the manufacturing organisation,
will help you recognise any real risks and highlight the benefits
of bringing young people to your workplace.
EEF's Health & Safety, and Education & Skills teams have
created a document for employers wishing to consider opening their
workplaces to young people for educational visits.
There is increasing evidence that a well-run, enjoyable company
visit has a tremendous influence on the future career choices of
young people, as well as on their attitudes to the sector as a
whole.
As a taster, here is the content list of the publication
:
- Making visits work for you
- What would initiate a school visit?
- What are the benefits of being involved?
- Making contact
- Before the event
- During the event
- After the event
- Support from EEF & BMF Associations
- Ensuring health and safety
- Areas of responsibility
- Planning the visit Flowchart of process: responsibilities of
the school; responsibilities of the host; shared
responsibilities
To download this useful guide click here.
Other opportunities for working with schools include :
Schools Marine Challenge
Schools Marine Challenge started in 2002 and was set up to
introduce school children to the world of marine engineering.The
aims of the Challenge are to stimulate them into choosing technical
education, boost the take-up of technology and science subjects at
secondary school and raise awareness of careers and opportunities
in the marine industry.
The competition now runs in both the South West and South East
regions of England.
Schools compete in three categories :
- boats powered by solar energy
- electric engines
- petrol-engines
Students are encouraged to get involved with their local marine
companies, who can offer their experience, expertise and
advice.
The winning teams are selected at Race Day - the culmination of
the year's work. Judged on a number of factors, the winners are
chosen on a number of criteria including the design, the power
system, and teamwork and how the boats compete on the water.
The project has been designed to link in the National
Curriculum, and many of the schools involved have fully integrated
the Challenge into their GCSE Engineering classes.
How do I get involved?
Schools are always keen to liaise with local employers to get
technical and moral support both during the year and at Race
day.
There is always the opportunity to provide prizes or sponsorship
for the competition. Contact training@britishmarine.co.uk.
The South East Race day is set for Tuesday 2 July 2008 at
Southwater Watersports Centre nr Horsham.
The South West Race day is set for Thursday 4 July 2008 at
Roadford Lake nr Okehampton For further information go to
http://www.schoolsmarine.com/.