EDUCATION
Bright futures - Teesside Clean Energy Technician scholars ( from left ) Evie , Jasmine and Phoebe have joined Redcar and Cleveland College ’ s Clean Energy Technician programme . Picture : Joshua Lawson .
With an eye on the future , the scholarship is an incredible example of what can be achieved when educators , employers and stakeholders work together .
to 41 . Looking ahead , that ’ s a potential 41 future engineers joining the talent pipeline feeding into renewable and low-carbon industries .
Part of their training is delivered in the Clean Energy Education Hub , itself the result of a collaboration between the college , bp , employers , Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council , Redcar Town Deal Board and primarily funded by the Town Deal Fund .
Grant says : “ With an eye on the future , the scholarship is an incredible example of what can be achieved when educators , employers and stakeholders work together . It has created an aspirational opportunity for these young people that could give them access to quality jobs that look set to become available on their doorstep .”
But it ’ s not just industry giants that have the capability to implement change from within , as Grant says further education colleges have a tool bag of training options and funding expertise to assist businesses of all sizes tackle their own training and recruitment needs .
His call to action , of course , is to consider creating more apprenticeships , especially for school leavers .
After all , he says : “ Apprenticeships launch fantastic careers . In the majority of cases there is the opportunity to create a loyal and motivated employee , with the added incentive of knowing you really are transforming people ’ s life choices .”
However , as well as apprenticeships , for businesses with more immediate recruitment challenges , he says there ’ s a host of other options available . It simply . starts with a conversation . “ There ’ s a narrative that has been there a long time that colleges are not working effectively with employers , or not putting on programmes that employers value , but I don ’ t think that ’ s the case in reality ,” says Grant .
“ Colleges work hard to be responsive to employers and tailor training that ’ s going to best suit their needs .”
He adds that the fact that , as educators , they may not be able to offer the finished product is further proof that collaboration is key .
“ There has to be recognition that young people , or anyone finishing their college training to move into employment , won ’ t be the finished article . There will always be an onus on any employer to carry on someone ’ s development or make sure they have the necessary skills required for the role .
“ There is an old phrase , ‘ Hire for attitude , train for skills ’, and that ’ s where , by working together , as employers and educators , we can both deliver .”
Etc . for Business offers a wide range of responsive employer-led services for businesses . To find out more visit the-etc . ac . uk / for-business or email the business development team : business @ the-etc . ac . uk
The Education Training Collective incorporates Bede Sixth Form College , Innersummit , NETA Training , Redcar and Cleveland College , Stockton Riverside College and The Skills Academy .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 39