D&T Association launch Skills for Industry

Published 8th February 2017

We are delighted to announce that our Skills for Industry programme has commenced in the North Warwickshire and Coventry areas. Funded by the Employability Skills Department of Warwickshire County Council our North Warwickshire area currently has 5 Nuneaton & Bedworth schools committed to the programme who will work with our industry partner N.E.J. Stevenson Ltd. We have also recruited 2 of the 5 schools in the Rugby area and are finalising our discussions with an industry partner to work with these schools. In Coventry we have the support of Severn Trent Water who have committed a team of 9 Asset Creation Apprentices to work with 5 schools in the local area.

The Skills for Industry programme aims to bring real life skills from designing, manufacturing, engineering and other related industries into the classroom to help inspire pupils to include D&T as one of their option subjects. Over a period of 8 – 10 weeks one class of Year 8 (KS3) pupils will work on a project specifically related to the industry partner’s business. Throughout the programme teachers will be supported by our D&T consultant and the industry partner through a launch and technical training event, 2 lesson visits and a number of networking opportunities.

We recognise the challenge that teachers have reaching out to industry partners and our programme supports teachers with this challenge by making the connection and then facilitating the communication links between industry and schools.

Alongside the provision of teaching resources and industry support, the programme is also brings Higher Education establishments into the classroom to give the teachers and pupils an insight into the vast career opportunities that exist when pupils have D&T skills to offer employers.

The programme is planned to expand into other areas over the next two years so if you are interested in working with us in the future, please email skillsforindustry@data.org.uk. We are keen to recruit further schools who are near Rugby so if you are in a position to deliver a scheme of work to one year 8 class after Easter holidays then don’t delay – get in touch today.