Skills Zone
Portsmouth & South East Hampshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry would like to thank the Learning & Skills Council for sponsoring this section of our Website.
When talking to businesses, the issue of skills is nearly always one of the top two concerns.
This skills zone is designed to highlight opportunities and case studies to promote the benefits of schools, colleges and businesses working together. Highlight any training grants and offers for existing employees and provide a signpost to other useful sites and organisations.
Whilst academic skills and qualifications are important, business needs a workforce that can demonstrate good communication skills, creativity, initiative and teamwork. It is therefore essential that vocational qualifications are given equal priority to their academic counterparts.
The Chamber currently runs the Skills for Business Network which brings the local FE colleges together to meet common aims and objectives of increasing business involvement in further education.
The National Qualifications Framework
Skills for Business Network
With the promotion of the Action for Business programme, colleges are finding it increasingly important to engage effectively with local businesses.
The Skills for Business Network was set up by the Chamber as the Engaging with Employers Group to bring colleges together to identify common requirements, publicise opportunities available to business and to reduce duplication of activities.
Over the past 2 years we have arranged employer events at all of the colleges focussing on topics such as 14-19 Diplomas and Train to Gain.
We invite employers to meetings to share their views on topical issues and to gather feedback on what they are looking for in potential employees.Work Experience
Work experience season is fast approaching and many of you may soon have young people in your workplace. British Chambers of Commerce has been involved in a website and leaflet that is designed to help employers plan visits and ensure any risks are minimised. It has been written by business organisations, for businesses, and contains a useful 'Visit Planner' which details all the things an employer needs to do before a visit. the website is: http://www.safevisits.org.uk
Successful Work PlacementsCase Study - Portsmouth College
We have had a number of very successful work placements over recent years, many leading to employment of the individual students by their placements. Such examples are as follows:
- 2 years ago Stuart undertook NVQ Administration Level 3, having previously successfully completed his Level 2 qualification by undertaking a work placement at the News Centre. His placement was in the Advertising Department and he quickly settled in and worked hard to complete his L2 qualification. As a result of this he was offered a part-time job there. He combined his job for 3 days a week with attendance at College for 2 days a week, and achieved his Level 3 in one year.
- Heather also undertook her NVQ Administration Level 2 at College, and on successful completion of this, progressed to Level 3. She undertook her placement at Comet in Ocean Park, where she obtained part-time employment. She completed her qualification in 2 years, and is now a full-time employee for Comet.
- Dan came to College originally to study Performance Studies, but did not settle well in his course. Early in the academic year he changed to NVQ Administration, and his work placement was arranged with the College Registry and Reception office. Dan successfully completed his qualification and made such an impression on the staff of the College, that he was offered a permanent job as the afternoon and evening receptionist. Dan is still working at the College, combining his employment with an Access course and is hoping to apply to University next year.
Schools and Colleges
Current members of the Chamber of Commerce include:
Admiral Lord Nelson School | Bedales School |
Churcher's College | City of Portsmouth Girls SchoolCowplain Community School |
Crookhorn College of Technology | |
GDST Portsmouth High School | Highbury College |
| King Richard School |
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| Miltoncross School | Mayville High School
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| Portsmouth College |
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| Priory School |
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| St Vincent College |
Additional Information - Click Here
Including links to projects, skills related funding and other relevant links.
Other Skills & Training Related Links
Hampshire Learning and Skills Council
Education Business Partnership
Padnell Grange - Professional Development Centre
How can Business Assist in Developing Work Based Skills
Information for Businesses & Employers Projects & Programmes
'Meet the Professional' - Working Lunches
Businesses host or attend lunches for small groups of students, enabling the development of social skills, building of confidence and self-esteem as well as understanding more about different occupations.
Enterprise Challenges
Challenges set two or more schools in competition to create and develop new initiatives or products which are presented to a team of judges. An event of this kind can be held over a whole day or in some cases run over a longer period of time. The organisation would be undertaken by EBP in conjunction with the hosting company.
Industry/Enterprise Days
Industry/Enterprise days stimulate young peoples' awareness of industry, enterprise and career options in a one-day event held in schools. These are run by EBP in conjunction with companies where students are required to tackle real-life problem-solving exercises within a business context. Business volunteers act as group facilitators or experts in a particular field.
Teacher Placements
Hosting a teacher for one or two days in your company to update their skills and knowledge. There will be clear and agreed aims focussed on their career guidance, business concepts, subject teaching or management roles.
Teacher Professional Development - Taster Sessions
A key activity to equip teachers with wider industrial and commercial knowledge and experience. A business hosts a session at the company site to give teachers the opportunity to gain a better understanding of business concepts and issues. These visits are designed to give an insight into the services or products provided by the company and the skill requirements and careers available within your field of work. Teachers gain invaluable knowledge from these sessions to take back to the classroom equipping them to guide young people more effectively into the world of work.
Extended Work Experience
Work experience involves a placement of between 6 weeks and one academic year for a student aged 14 - 16. Placements can be from 1/2 day to 2 days per week. The scheme is designed to build and develop the student's skills in a chosen occupational area and supports any vocational qualifications they may be undertaking.
Mentoring
Volunteers from businesses pair up one to one with 14 to 15 year old pupils (GCSE years) in a local school. They discuss issues of concern to young people such as time management, career choices, course work, relationships etc. This may be either face to face or via email on a secure system. Schools find that mentoring helps improve the self-confidence, motivation and social skills of their pupils with consequent improved exam results.
Mock Interviews
A one-off or repeated experience for business volunteers which will help to develop the communication skills of your staff. The mock interview day provides students with invaluable experience of the interview process giving an insight into the expectations of an employer. Feedback to the students plays an important part in this activity.
Hosting Student Visits
The visits would be for small or large groups of students and would be intended to pass on a greater feel for industry and commerce. A wider view of career options, understanding of vocations and linking education in school to the real world to bring a relevance to the curriculum.
Primary School's Science Fair
If you are a company that works with science in any way (whether biochemistry, physics, chemistry or environmental sciences) you may be interested in bringing an activity to our 3-day science fair in February/March. Over 1600 children attend and come away enthused about science and its place in the world.
To express interest in any of the above please contact - maureen.frost@hampshirechamber.co.uk
Skills Related Funding
Hampshire Learning and Skills Council
New funding for training in Portsmouth
Green Light for Record Investment in Portsmouth to Improve Learning and Skills
Assistance Required
Opportunity for web link requests to be placed here e.g. New governor required for a school or college.
Registered office: Regional Business Centre, Harts Farm Way, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 1HR| Company No. 17877 | tel: 023 9244 9449 fax: 023 9244 9444