SKILLS
Show of support for social care
De Montfort University and Leicester City Council are joining forces to support career progression in children’s social care services. A new Social Care and Learning
Development Hub has been launched. It will see the university, one of
“Our traineeships not only
offer a first step into the construction industry but are also a great way for young people to learn new skills and gain experience of the working world.” The new STEM building that
Connor and Rhys worked on will house the University of Derby’s engineering school. Connor said: “My traineeship
will help me to progress a career in bricklaying and develop my skills. “Through this process I
achieved a Level 2 qualification which will help me to secure an apprenticeship in the future.”
the Chamber’s patrons, and the council’s children’s services working closely to share knowledge, training and professional experience of children’s social work, family support and community work. Social work students will be able
to gain work experience of real-life social care and, in turn, social work staff will be able to attend evening lectures and training events at DMU to help extend their professional career development. The creation of the hub will lead
Cllr Sarah Russell and Professor Andy Collop, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for DMU
‘By developing this partnership, De Montfort University and the city council can really help each other’
to research opportunities between DMU and Leicester City Council, along with postgraduate programmes and opportunities for DMU staff to shadow social work staff. The partnership was launched at an event held at DMU. Cllr Sarah Russell, Assistant City Mayor and Member for Children, Young
People and Schools, said: “By developing this partnership, De Montfort University and the city council can really help each other, and all at no additional cost to either the university or the council.”
Strong growth but skills needed
The building industry in the Midlands continues to see strong growth in workloads compared with the rest of the UK, according to the RICS Construction Market Survey for Q1. But respondents warned
that more skilled workers are still needed to meet Government targets. Growth in commercial and
private housing workloads drove the construction sector during the first quarter. Private housing workloads
rose for the 14th consecutive quarter, with a net balance of 42% of surveyors seeing activity rise in Q1. Commercial construction in
the Midlands region was also strong, with 45% of respondents (net balance) reporting growth in activity. As activity levels rise, skills shortages have become more of a challenge and in Q1, an average of 43% of respondents reported difficulty sourcing labour. RICS Chief Economist Simon
Rubinsohn said: “A shortage of skilled workers continues to impede further growth.”
Daniel Msimuko and Jasmine Evans spent a week at epm:technology
Manufacturing a week of practical experience
Engineering students at Derby College spent a week learning about advanced composites manufacturing at epm:technology’s £6m manufacturing, research and development facility in Derby. The students, who are all
studying engineering at the college’s Roundhouse campus, were members of the epm:technology Employer Academy at Derby College. The programme is part of Derby
College’s initiative in partnership with businesses across the East Midlands to bridge the gap between education and world of work. More than 200 students are benefiting from the scheme.
Graham Mulholland, Managing
Director of epm:technology, said: “By working closely with the students, we can build their industry-specific problem solving, teamworking and communication skills.” Daniel Msimuko, 18, from
Alvaston, said: “I was keen to be part of the academy as it is a really good opportunity to get work experience which could lead to an apprenticeship here.” Jasmine Evans, 19, from
Chesterfield, took the opportunity to improve her CAD skills and spent time with the business development team. “This unique opportunity has
convinced me that my future career lies in engineering,” she said.
business network June 2016 43
Photo courtesy of Jason Senior at Redpix
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