THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT!

We need a policy framework that fosters a flexible and dynamic approach to skills and which enables people and businesses to build their capacity to innovate, compete and grow.

THE ROLE OF INDIVIDUALS!

We should focus on developing the skills and attributes that will be at a premium in future, including communication, confidence, critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork and the core business skills required in the world of work. We need to work with young people to change their mind-set regarding the nature of work, as it becomes more network oriented, more project based and increasingly more technology-intensive. We need to help young people take greater personal responsibility for acquiring and continuously updating the skills and attributes needed to succeed in the world of work and also help them understand the increasing division between low and high-skill jobs. We need to ensure that young people are provided with relevant labour market information and careers advice and include skills and training opportunities as an integral part of their curriculum.

We are doing this in Sheffield with the Cutlers’ ‘Better Learners, Better Workers’ programmes which are demand driven, employer-led programmes focused on developing the skills employers are looking for in their employees. Students on the programmes are provided with a menu of activities to develop these skills. These student ‘Ambassadors’ promote the business sectors to peers and businesses get to see and help develop young people’s talents and abilities. Importantly, the programme has an employer endorsed Skills Passport awarded at the end of the programme.

THE ROLE OF SCHOOL, ACADEMIES AND COLLEGES!

Schools, academies and colleges need to work more closely with employers to support them in achieving their business and skills objectives and to ensure that young people are leaving education and training with the skills they need  in an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing world of work. They need to invest in new models and approaches which keep abreast of developments and understand the impact of technology on learning. We need programmes that support the critical importance of interdisciplinary approaches and innovation in the world of work and the influence of technology.

We are doing this in Sheffield with the Cutlers’ ‘Better Learners, Better Workers’ programmes which are demand driven, employer-led programmes focused on developing the skills employers are looking for in their employees. Students on the programmes are provided with a menu of activities to develop these skills. These student ‘Ambassadors’ promote the business sectors to peers and businesses get to see and help develop young people’s talents and abilities. Importantly, the programme has an employer endorsed Skills Passport awarded at the end of the programme.

THE ROLE OF EMPLOYERS!

Employers need to take more responsibility for developing the skills needed for businesses to succeed and to innovate in the face of competitive pressures and market volatility. We need collaborative approaches with sectors and companies working together with schools and colleges to address key skills challenges as part of sectoral and regional growth strategies. The ability to attract, develop and retain a skilful and talented workforce will only increase in importance and require even more collaboration and partnership working with schools and colleges to access critical skills.

We are doing this in Sheffield with the Cutlers’ ‘Better Learners, Better Workers’ programmes which are demand driven, employer-led programmes focused on developing the skills employers are looking for in their employees. Students on the programmes are provided with a menu of activities to develop these skills. These student ‘Ambassadors’ promote the business sectors to peers and businesses get to see and help develop young people’s talents and abilities. Importantly, the programme has an employer endorsed Skills Passport awarded at the end of the programme.

EXPERIENCE OF THE WORLD OF WORK MATTERS!

Young people are struggling to secure first-hand experiences of the world of work and too many have no real awareness or knowledge of the world of work, career pathways or future job prospects. Research, evidence and some innovative projects, in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield, show that experiences of the world of work can be a major catalyst for change among young people, particularly those who are underachieving, disadvantaged and harder to reach.

TEAMWORK MATTERS!

Teamwork is at the heart of 'Made in Sheffield'

MATHS IS ANOTHER KEY TO LEARNING!

Maths is another key to learning.

So try to make maths as much fun as possible - games, puzzles and jigsaws are a great way to start. It's also important to show how we use maths skills in our everyday lives and to involve your child in this.

READING IS THE KEY TO LEARNING!!

Reading is vital. 

Research shows that it's the single most important thing you can do to help your child learn. So read little and often. Put aside some time for it every day. Think of ways to make reading fun. 

READING AT HOME MATTERS!

READING REALLY MATTERS!

Children who read for pleasure are likely to do significantly better at school than their peers, according to new research from the Institute of Education (IOE). The IOE study, which is believed to be the first to examine the effect of reading for pleasure on cognitive development over time, found that children who read for pleasure made more progress in maths, vocabulary and spelling than those who rarely read.

OUR 'MADE IN SHEFFIELD' WEBSITE!

The Cutlers’ Company has commissioned SERO to redesign and develop the ‘Made in Sheffield’ website.

MADE IN SHEFFIELD!

Made in Sheffield is a demand driven, employer-led approach based on developing the skills that matter in the world of work. The scheme is based on a unique partnership of employers and schools, led by Sheffield City Council (SCC) and the Cutlers Company and we have tested, learned and adapted strategies and materials based on feedback, evidence and research.

BETTER LEARNERS, BETTER WORKERS!

Another day, another journey to Sheffield, stopping off in Leeds to catch up with a wonderful colleague who shared the highs and lows that was Education Leeds.