Case study
“For example, a local newspaper, The Comet, enjoyed taking on a temporary staff member He continued: “Employer engagement
runs a fantastic project getting young people and appreciated what she gave to his business. has long been seen as a vital educational
to research and write stories and then mock He said: “Our student was confident, experience in North Hertfordshire. The
up their own front page. But young people willing to work, lively, and fearless in difference with Diplomas is that it now forms
are also a key audience for the publication expressing her views – whether positive or part of the curriculum. Teachers have time
and, while providing an important learning identifying a problem. She joined the internal dedicated to working with businesses and
experience, the newspaper also receives design, content and usability review of our businesses have clear criteria on the type of
invaluable feedback on its product, as well as own website and the Content Management work experience they are expected to provide.
engaging a new generation of readers. System that we developed to enter and amend “It is too early to say whether this defined
“It is also important to think creatively. both the visible content and some of the role for employer engagement will lead to an
Knebworth House may not at first glance underlying code.” increase in connections between businesses
seem like the obvious location for IT Diploma Engagement with students has also and educational institutions and more
students to put their learning into practice. benefited employers with far-sighted concerns opportunities for young people to gain real-
However, they needed some work done on for their business and industry area. world experience – but it is my job to make
its website and, with appropriate training and Pam Popay, education engagement manager that happen.”
guidance, students were able to add a number at BT Group Chief Technology Office, Mr Mitchell concluded: “If we want to
of pages to the site. explained: “The number of young people ensure that all young people develop their
“So many businesses are rooted in their aspiring to careers in our sector has declined talents to the utmost, we need to transform
local communities and this form of employer- significantly. We’ve also seen a large gender the current education system.
student contact builds close social ties which imbalance, with fewer women choosing to “Ensuring employers are engaged in
benefit schools, students and businesses.” pursue a technology profession. learning is just one of the steps we need to
Similarly, web design and new media “Our engagement with education excites take. Diplomas – delivered right, as they are
business Oxygen in Hitchin benefited and informs young people about what in North Hertfordshire – are a massive step in
from the enthusiasm and energy of the technology is and what skills they need to the right direction towards a revolution in the
contributions of a local student taking pursue a career in the sector.” way young people learn.” DD
the Creative and Media Diploma and Back in Hertfordshire, and Mr Davis sees
simultaneously was able to road-test how user- certain advantages which Diplomas bring Further information
friendly its new website is. to the work he does to unite businesses and Edge Business in Schools: www.edge.co.uk/
Geoff Ide, owner and director of Oxygen, students. project/business-in-schools
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‘
Delivering Diplomas • Volume 1 No 1 Autumn 2009 57
56-57 edge.indd 13 18/9/09 12:17:24
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