VIEWS & OPINION Education overheard - listening


and learning with Edu podcasts Comment by CAROLINE DOHERTY, Head of Education Strategy and Host of Key Voices at The Key


Over the past decade, podcasts have become one of the most popular forms of (audio) entertainment in the UK. However, as well as offering all sorts of comedy, conversation and documentary, they are also becoming a great way to expand your professional knowledge and networks. The education sector is fortunate to have a wide range of edu podcasts, so what are some of the benefits of tuning in?


A welcomed screen break Ofcom reported last year that the average UK adult spends approximately 6 hours and 25 minutes a day looking at a screen. Listening to an Edu podcast gives tired eyes a much needed break - meaning we can still top- up on our CPD, but with our ears doing the work instead. What’s more, with podcasts taking us away from our laptops and classrooms, they allow us to multi-task - something that’s not possible when browsing the internet or reading a book. These voices are increasingly becoming our intimate companions when stuck in traffic, walking the dog or doing the washing-up - meaning we’re making the most of precious time.


Building connections Edu podcasts can really help you to feel more connected to others in your profession. Hearing someone open up and talk honestly about their own experiences, research or even difficulties is, in subtle ways, helping build connections and understanding across schools and the wider sector. Listening to someone speak first-hand, with genuine emotion or humour, will often tell you far more about who they are and where they are


coming from, than just reading about their work or ideas would do. Diana Osagie’s 15 minute long ‘Mistakes, Mishaps and Triumphs’ conversations on her ‘Courageous Leadership’ podcast offer fascinating snapshots of someone's career experiences.


Digging deeper Another great thing about popping on a podcast is that they allow you to get beyond the surface of education debates and research. In an age of social media, where all too often nuance is lost and everyone is urged to take sides, the podcast format allows for more open discussion and exploration. Guests and presenters don’t have to have all the answers and there is plenty of time to tackle new and complex ideas. ‘Naylors Natter’ and ‘Page to Practice’ are good ones to start with if you want to learn more about education research. There are also plenty of specialist podcasts out there, which allow you to delve into particular topics such as governance (‘The Governors Podcast’) or school business management (‘The School Business Leadership Podcast’).


Widening your horizons Finally, podcasts are a great way to expose yourself to new, diverse voices and emerging ideas in the sector - taking you beyond the realms of your usual circle of colleagues. While we may have previously travelled to conferences and events for this purpose, this can be time-consuming and costly. On the contrary, podcasts offer a free and simple means to hear from practitioners across the country, and indeed the world. It’s as if we are all suddenly immersed in one big virtual staff room - sharing ideas, opinions and experiences. The joy of presenting ‘Key Voices’ is that I get to provide a platform for enthusiastic and passionate people to share their stories and innovative solutions with the sector. So whether you're a podcast newbie or a seasoned audio listener, I’d


encourage you to delve into the wonderful world of Edu Podcasts. You’re sure to gain some new professional insights, and you’ll never be bored while washing-up again.


The benefits of traineeships and apprenticeships


Comment by FLEUR SEXTON, Managing Director, PET-Xi Training


With a sizeable skills shortage across many sectors of the economy, employers are now turning to young people to fill the void through the Government’s Traineeships and Apprenticeships Programme. These in turn are great ways for young people to gain experience especially for those who have been left behind during the pandemic and are struggling with returning to education – it has the possibility of being a win-win situation. Both traineeships and apprenticeships offer young people the chance to


train directly alongside the current workforce. Trainee placements provide a substantial and meaningful workplace experience that gives the trainee a chance to succeed and helps them make an informed career choice. Trainees also get the opportunity to catch up on those important maths and English qualifications that many of them have fallen behind on, and at the end of the traineeship, they have the opportunity to progress onto an apprenticeship or go into further education. Apprenticeships provide a chance to ‘Earn whilst you learn’. Apprentices


can continue to develop their skills including practical technical skills and recognised qualifications, and improve their employability while gaining independence and self-respect.


November 2021


In addition, the schemes help support the development of important


behaviours and attitudes such as resilience and communication skills – vital skills that have been impacted by the lockdowns during the pandemic. Living in a ‘virtual’ world of online school, many young people did not necessarily receive the support or opportunities they needed in these areas. These life skills include communication, collaboration and teamwork,


negotiation and persuasion, real-life problem solving, leadership, perseverance and motivation, as well as confidence, organisational skills and the ability to work under pressure – all these are core skills future employers will be looking for. At the same time the schemes allow businesses to get ahead of the


competition by bringing in enthusiastic young people with their fresh ideas; with the costs met directly through Government funding and/or the levy. Staff members working with the trainees have the chance to develop their skills in mentoring and coaching young people, and most importantly the schemes provide employers with the opportunity to shape skilled and talented potential employees, and support the local community. Apprenticeships have been shown to increase staff loyalty and retention,


provide skilled workers for the future, free up existing staff time and revitalise the workplace. The latest stats from the National Apprenticeship Service show that 92% of companies that have taken on apprentices believe this leads to a more motivated and satisfied workforce and 80% have seen a significant increase in employee retention. Now is the time to ensure that our young people understand they have


alternative opportunities in education, opportunities to train directly alongside the current workforce, building life skills and attitudes, catching up on those important maths and English qualifications, and most importantly developing resilience and self-respect.


www.education-today.co.uk 21


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