Establishing new partnerships and consolidating existing ones is a key aspect of meeting our expectations as schools and employers. Employers are able to provide young people access to skills, knowledge, experience and support that gives a valuable insight into the workforce and industry. Some of the benefits, as recognised by DYW School/Employer Partnership Standard, are:
- improving learning and teaching by bringing real-life contexts into the classroom
- having a better understanding of the local labour market (helping to ensure that learning is relevant and supports all young people into positive destinations)
- having more innovative careers information, advice seminars and workshops within the school
- developing skills for job applications, CV writing and interviews
- providing references and recommendations
- developing and recognising skills and attributes for employment
- providing high quality work placements, work visits or work shadowing opportunities
- providing internships in holiday periods
- providing CLPL for teaching staff to enhance skills through access to employer knowledge
- sharing professional knowledge and experience for mutual benefit
- reducing barriers for young people with additional support needs.
Partnerships at Strathaven Academy
We aim to develop and nurture real partnerships with local employers, industry and businesses to:
- develop long-term, sustainable relationships between school and business partners
- identify priority areas for school and partners to work together to improve the learner journey
- contribute to an improved quality of educational experience, giving students a better insight into careers and better preparing them for the world of work
- support teaching staff, where appropriate, as part of their continuous professional development.
Our current business partners include Martec, QTS, Cutironics, Hulley Accountancy, John Lewis, Sainsbury’s, Morrison’s Construction, and many more who provide, work placements, workplace visits, careers advice, information workshops, skills development and recruitment experiences.
Martec specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of bespoke architectural metalwork and glazing systems. As a sector leading engineering firm, we are thrilled that Martin McHugh and his team are sharing a wealth of knowledge with our young people across the curriculum, with a particular focus on bringing the Metalwork course to life. There will be lots more exciting information on this partnership coming soon.
QTS has become an invaluable partner in recent years and contributes to the planning process to support young people in their learning and career planning. QTS provides a broad range of opportunities and experiences for Strathaven Academy students: workplace visits, work placements, workshops at career events, workshops delivered by their apprentices, training for interview skills, S6 Engineering project with EES / Strathclyde University.
Cutironics and Hulley Accountancy have provided information sessions, career planning advice, training in interview skills and work placements.
John Lewis has delivered workplace visits and on-site recruitment activities to build young peoples’ skills and confidence.