Last updated 15:59, Wednesday, 25 June 2008

SOME of Cumbria’s major employers have attended a workshop to build links with local schools.

Seventeen companies – including James Fisher Nuclear Ltd and Nexia Solutions Ltd – attended the event held at the Hundith Hill, Cockermouth, on June 2 to get a better understanding of the benefits of linking business and education.

Representatives from the science, engineering and manufacturing industries were told how the new education structure will improve the skills of their future workforces and how diplomas, apprenticeships and placements would affect their business.

The workshop was run by CBEC in conjunction with West Cumbria 14-19 Partnership and saw student representatives from Southfield Technology College, Stainburn School and St Benedict’s Catholic High School present to local employers their views on vocational learning.

Valerie Hallard, development manager at 14-19 Partnership, said: “The workshop was designed to help employers plan and deliver training and development to 14- to 19-year-olds in the world of work. We also explained ways in which employers could shape offers to young people in schools and colleges, which in turn would then hugely benefit their business.

“Some of the employers who participated in the workshop already have links with local schools and are involved in 14-16 apprenticeships but are looking at developing and adopting a range of training avenues.”

Philip Gerrard, business unit manager at James Fisher Nuclear, said: “Events such as these, which bring together business and education industries, are an excellent way to encourage young people into engineering. They also present to employers the range of training and development schemes available to them.

“It’s crucial for employers to build links with local schools and colleges to dispel the myth that science and engineering careers are boring when in fact they’re creative and exciting, especially when it comes to breaking new ground.

“As employers we are continually looking for ways in which we can convey that passion to young people.”