In-service Teacher Training Programme and Professional Development Opportunities

Our Enterprise in Education project supports the teaching of enterprise in the curriculum by offering in-service teacher training for learning techniques, accelerated learning and self-review evaluation. The training provided underpins our Enterprise in Education work and is fundamental in establishing the self-confident environment where creativity and enterprise can grow.

Case Study - Engineering Professional Development Placement

In July 2006, TEDCO’s Enterprise in Education project ran its first Engineering Professional Development Placement Programme.

The training programme was designed to support teaching and non teaching staff to experience a number of engineering businesses and organisations. Through working with these organisations the teachers were made aware of current business needs, skills shortages, individual employer requirements, what and how that business delivers to its customers and the skills required by the employer. In addition the seminar highlighted the needs of schools and gave teachers the ideal opportunity to forge links with business and industry from the Engineering sector.

The training programme took the form of a Twilight seminar, alleviating the problem of school staff having to provide supply cover.

Representatives from the engineering sector included:

• NEPA (North East Productivity Alliance)
• The Institution of Civil Engineers
• Ford Components Manufacturing Ltd
• Rohm & Haas (UK) Ltd
• Engineering Education Scheme
• Year in Industry
• Karen Humble (The Interface – Serious Fun)
• Solar Solve Marine
• TDR Training

The session began with a number of short presentations by some of the businesses present, highlighting what they had to offer schools. This was followed by presentations from two teachers; the first, a Work Related Learning Co-ordinator, who described his role and explained the problems schools are faced with when trying to arrange work placements and visits, the second, an Assistant Head Teacher of a local school, which is currently working towards achieving Specialist College Status in Engineering, who emphasised the importance of building strong links with the Business Community.

These presentations proved to be very valuable in allowing all present to see the needs of both schools and the engineering sector.

Following the presentations the teachers were introduced to the individual engineering organisations, by means of a ‘Speed Networking’ session. The teachers moved from table to table every 5 minutes, in a carousel format, giving them the opportunity to ask the questions which were most relevant for themselves and their schools.

Ultimately the programme’s aim was to forge links between schools and the Business Community and following feedback received from both teachers and business representatives, this seminar allowed the first steps to be taken to develop those links.

“These Professional Development Placements aim to enhance enterprise education by developing links between schools and the business community. Working in partnership with business has proved to have a positive impact on pupil’s attitudes and motivation whilst widening their experience of the commercial world. In this session we focused on the engineering sector, dispelling the myth that engineering is not all hard hats but in fact is an industry with very varied opportunities”

Sandra Emery Project Co-ordinator Enterprise in Education

Case Study - Enterprise Matters Teacher Training Conference

In November 2006 TEDCO Enterprise in Education delivered a free two day training course for teaching and non-teaching staff, working with post 16 students, across Tyne and Wear.

The aim of the programme of activity was to:-

• Define the term Enterprise in Education
• Dispel the myth that Enterprise Skills and Entrepreneurship are the same
• Show how to introduce Enterprise Skills into lessons and illustrate the benefits
• Generate ideas to take back to the classroom
• Reflect how / why Enterprise Skills can be brought into the classroom
• Develop links with the business community and other external agencies
• Give an overview of the Specialised Diplomas which are being introduced in 2008.

The conference was an opportunity for all those involved in education to discuss ideas and good practice and to explore the distinctive role enterprise education plays in the development of attitudes, skills and capabilities of individuals. It provided practical opportunities for participants to develop and practice the skills which are required to promote and embed an enterprising culture within the school. Participants explored the different contexts within which enterprise might be delivered across the curriculum.

“The conference provided a really good opportunity for teachers and other colleagues to come together and for schools to share their ideas about developing enterprise in schools.

Getting youngsters to raise their expectations is a key issue for all LEAs in the region. This conference not only embraced ‘enterprise education’ but it also allowed colleagues to consider the importance of developing enterprising behaviour in students as a vital part of their general development. This is so important in encouraging the engagement of all youngsters in their learning whatever their ability.”

Mike Dillon
Head of Access and Inclusion
South Tyneside LEA

To find out more information about the in-service training that TEDCO Enterprise in Education offers contact TEDCO on (0191) 428 3392 or email youngpeople@tedco.org