Sunderland Education Business Partnership
Sunderland Education Business Partnership is part of the Connexions Service. Our role is to support the enhancement of the National Curriculum through the development, promotion and delivery of activities in schools with emphasis upon Work Related Learning and Enterprise Education.
To enable us to do this we need the support of the Business community. The support comes in many ways, some organisations can only give a few hours now and again, others make a commitment for their staff to work in schools for a minimum of three activities per year.
We deliver Business Ambassador training to help equip business representatives with the knowledge and skills to support students in schools. Training lasts for one day, which is free of charge. The training supports the professional development of staff.
The Education Business Partnership Support Package offers support and programmes to help plan, assist and facilitate work related learning and enterprise events.
In March 2011, the EBP was accredited with the prestigious National Education Business Partnership Network Quality Award.
Mission Statement
The over-arching Mission Statement is...
Working together to improve life chances and aspirations for each child and young person in Sunderland.
Business Ambassador Activities
Mock Interviews
Business Ambassadors interview students in either Year 10 or Year 11 to enable them to experience the interview process. Students complete an application form, then have an interview with a Business Ambassador lasting approximately 15 minutes followed by five minutes feedback. This is usually a full day activity held in the school hall and is delivered across schools in Sunderland, Houghton and Washington.
Mock Interview Preparation Sessions
The aim of this activity is to enable students to complete a mock interview application form prior to their mock interview. Business Ambassadors work with groups of students explaining the various stages of finding employment and assist with the completion of the mock interview application form. A 30 minute-one hour session, usually held in the classroom.
BEC 500
The aim of the programme is to emphasise the importance of personal skills which employers look for when recruiting young people to the workforce. Certificates are awarded to students in Year 11 who have achieved set standardised goals within a 10 week period in relation to three main areas:
- A high level of Attendance and Punctuality
- Satisfaction completion of course work
- Participation in a Work Related Activity or Careers Guidance
The process is introduced to students in the form of a launch, which takes place in an assembly setting. Representatives from Business, Armed Forces or Further Education College may be invited to address students and explain the importance of the BEC 500 goals in relation to the ‘World of Work’.
Enterprise Challenge Day
This event enables students to work with Business Ambassadors on a range of different challenges focussing on:
- Problem solving
- Teamwork
- Communication
Business Ambassadors are asked to bring a challenge lasting 30 minutes focussing on these key skills. Students are usually in groups of 10 with a maximum of 90 students at any one event.
Enterprise Activities
The aim of these activities are to raise students’ enterprise awareness/capability, financial literacy and economic and business understanding.
These activities are usually for a whole day and students work in groups of six-eight. Business Ambassadors are assigned to act as group facilitators to help students work effectively as individuals and as a team.
We also deliver activities for special and primary schools. These activities are based on the above but adapted to meet the needs of the individual students.
Professional Development Placements (PDPs)
We arrange placements for teaching and non-teaching staff from schools and other educational establishments to spend a short time in a company or organisation as a form of personal and professional development.
These placements give staff the opportunity to find out how a business operates and are linked to curriculum subjects, updating their skills and knowledge so they are better prepared to help young people prepare for the world of work.
For further information
If you would like to assist Sunderland EBP in delivering any of the activities outlined please contact Susan Campbell at:
Sunderland Education Business Partnership
Connexions Sunderland
The City Library and Arts Centre Building
30-32 Fawcett Street
Sunderland SR1 1RE
Telephone 0191 443 2880
Fax 0191 443 2858