Forum news
Latest News - Page 19
Tuesday 13th October, 2009
Nottingham Forum Update- Summer 2009!
By Admin
Well, first up we had the Partners meeting – Emma and Claire have attended a National Partners meeting with the other Forum managers. They came back with loads of new ideas for us to think about, as well as some new objectives!
National Steering Group – Three of us attended the National Steering Group meeting. It was great to meet forum members from across the country, and we had an interesting day discussing how the forums can improve, and what our aims are for the future.
Role Models - We have been researching and choosing vocational and practical learning role models. We have been interested to find that in Nottingham we have an Award Ceremony and Skills Graduation, which is unique to Nottinghamshire. We will be exploring how we can get more information as this will help us with role models, and our mission!
Oh yes, Carl Frotch has agreed to meet with us as one of our chosen role models – We can’t wait to meet him!!
Members and Associate Members Recruitment - We have been working on this, and we have recruited 2 new members - Welcome to you both!! Each member has updated their profiles on the Web.
Blogs and Media – We have filmed some more blogs, and found all of our media material, all of which has now been uploaded to this site. You’ll need to register to view them.
The forum leaders and managers, Claire, Emma, David and Colette have been busy talking to support organisations who might want to support the forum, or who might want our support. We can do so much more to change education, lets get stuck in!
Youth Commission Surveys – The youth commission has asked us to carry out 200 surveys with young people, on their behalf. These surveys will feed into their plans for the future. All the surveys need to be completed by Novembers, so we have a lot to do! We will let you know who we get on with these.
Connexions Youth Board – We have received applications to join connexions Youth board. We think this links in really well with our objectives, so we will be applying – watch this space.
Sessions – An update of the Schedule has been sent to all members, please note that Forum leaders will be texting you to remind you about sessions. Please contact 07709353071 if you don’t have an up to date schedule, or you are unsure of when and where the next session is.
Friday 9th October, 2009
Wates and the E.L.F
By Admin
Just when you thought we were slowing down, you start hearing vague rumours that the people at The Edge Learner Forum have recently been traipsing around London Colleges, running workshops with young black and ethnic minority people undertaking construction courses, and you resignedly wonder, ‘oh dear, what are these people up to NOW?’
Well, it so happens that the Edge Learner Forum has been approached by Wates Construction company to conduct an important project. We're putting the construction industry under the microscope, to understand why there is an under representation of ethnic minority groups within the industry and what can be done to improve this. The project also looks at the lack of understanding about there being professional progression in the industry, and the representation of minority groups being confined to the lower levels of the construction field.
These are not ELF members. But you get the point.
Naturally we went to the learners to get to the heart of the problem. We were lucky to meet a fantastic mix of people at the College of North East London, Kensington and Chelsea College and South Thames College. These learners gave us their valuable time, energy and enthusiasm to help us run successful workshops, discussing their perceptions of the construction industry.
Unsurprisingly, we gained valuable insight about the key issues people who are entering the construction industry are facing and the problems they feel they are likely to encounter. Our next stop is Lewisham College. Meanwhile, our forum members will also be gathering peer interviews, so if you'd like to contribute to this project, give us a shout! After this, the next phase is to hold an analysis and solutions workshop on Halloween (eek) with Learner Forum members and some of the lovely and extremely enthusiastic construction students we have met along the way. So watch this space to keep updated on our findings!
Thursday 1st October, 2009
Youth Commission Phase 2- Onwards and Upwards
By Admin
We know things have been a little quiet on the Youth Commission front as of late. But don't be fooled into thinking things have grinded to a halt. Far from it.
As you may be aware, phase 1 was a resounding success. We gathered some outstanding feedback from thousands of young people, sizing up just how young people feel about the raising of the education age to 18. Pros and cons were tackled in detail and some blinding insights were revealed through the investigation.
On 13th October the Edge Learner Forum will be presenting the findings of Phase 1 back to a small but powerful group involved in the campaign, including our friend Mr Barry Sheerman. This important event will mark the end of Phase 1 and the explosive birth of Phase 2.
Phase 2 has 1 big focus: Employability. We're billing it as a new solution to 'the scourge of unemployment' currently afflicting young people up and down the UK. It's a familiar situation for thousands of young people, desperate to kickstart their careers but held back by the recession and other factors that are simply beyond their control.
Following in the slipstream of our previous data gathering efforts we'll be consulting at least 7,000 young people to find solutions to this collosal predicament. These will include face-to-face questionnaires, an online survey harnessing the power of a multitude of online networks dedicated to improving standards for young people, and in-depth workshops. Perhaps most excitingly, we've got plans for an employer 'Question Time' style broadcast, bringing young people into contact with big employers like Tesco and Bovis construction to thrash out answers to the employment crisis. Who knows, maybe we'll even be on TV?
As before, we'll have a shedload of prizes to get people involved- and they're even more mindblowing than last time round! We hope to offer exclusive work experience opportunities across a range of industries for those that give us their time, energy and passion. So watch this space!
Thursday 1st October, 2009
The Big Conversation
By Admin
The Big Conversation
17/09/2009.
The theme of The Big Conversation revolved around Work Experience. What it is like? What should it be like? How can it improve? CEO’s of high stature such as Adam Crozier (Royal Mail) took part in the event. The upshot of the day were the new concepts, they will hopefully improve Work Experience as it stands today.
The Big Conversation: Turning work experience into work INSPIRATION
Discussions among young participants.
At the beginning of the day the young participants discussed some stats that had been earlier divulged in the form of a quiz. One of particular significance was the somewhat shocking statistic that 17% of adults in the UK lack the literacy to locate a plumber within the yellow pages. This is shocking and somewhat unthinkable. My mind is struggling to comprehend that statistic.
16% of youths are said to be N.E.E.T (Not in Education Employment or Training). I found this statistic rather surprising. I assumed that the figure would be higher given the percentage of people who I know that have been of the above term for a prolonged period. After this part of events participants were assigned to the tables as note takers and facilitators for the remainder of the day.
Discussions on Work Experience
On my table I was grouped with business figures that included an estate agent, a representative of a construction company and a software executive. One criticism of the current work experience structure that was widely stated amongst the group was the mandatory two week duration. The whole table believed this should be in constant flux and review depending on the specifics of the experience and other idiosyncrasies that are unique to each place of employment. This way when given the opportunity a student could maximise potential across a diverse array of departments.
Another snag is the schools’ often inconsiderate allocation of placements. Non careers based placements are prevalent. A commonly held view is that students are neglected and often feel disdain towards the school, due to the options that are available and the subsequently inevitable role of gofer that often follows. A two week period spent carrying out subservient errands can lead to the participant feeling used and abused. The more I think about the prior statement the more I feel incensed. Any employer that has acquired the services of a pupil just to assign them with servant like tasks should be ashamed.
A main discussion point was the need to hold an induction meeting prior to the experience so both sides can identify what parts will be beneficial and productive. A perception of the pupil’s passions, likes, dislikes, weaknesses and strengths would be understood, creating an environment less daunting to the pupil. As things stand students often go into Work Experience sometimes nervous, unenthused and ill-equipped. The accommodation of the pupil will definitely accentuate the likelihood of a successful work experience.
A system put in place where continuity is built up over a period of time was also widely endorsed. If work experience was to start from as early as year 9, then took place in years 10 and 11, an excellent outcome may be likelier. In the best case scenario an employer would have participated with a particular pupil. If in this time a pupil showed an aptitude to develop and articulate their skills whilst on work experience and at school, then by the time that particular person was of leaving age an employer may already have a capable employee. Due to the continuity developed over the three previous years the company will be attaining the services of someone that is widely skilled and informed in regard to the organisations’ practices and methods. This aim for a pupil would also deter them from becoming de-motivated throughout school.
If these practices are implemented then not only will students be armed with the knowledge and tools to capably succeed in the world of work, they will also inspire other students to follow their chosen paths and approach work experience with more enthusiasm. They’ll understand that hard work could pay dividends.
C.E.O’s and Stuart Rose
Regrettably the day meandered and stalled just before and after the appearance of Lord Mandleson.. When asked by a member of the audience who is his hero and inspiration he named Gordon Brown, he said of the PM “my inspiration,” and current hero.
The cabinet minister then went on to describe his time in Africa when asked what his path to his current position was. Mandleson went onto describe that meeting people abroad and understanding diverse cultures led to his path in politics. These comments were all very well but he didn’t disclose interesting factors like: how was his expedition funded? What is his background? What area is he from? What was his first job? And so forth.
Lord Mandelson at the recent Labour Party Conference
The event was presented to a good standard by Matt and Edge Learner forum members Seun and Huda. The only bone of contention I had with the presenting was the unscheduled attempts to co-ordinate the whole gathering in to intermittent stand-up exercise routines.
The penultimate segment of the day came when 100 C.E.Os included themselves into events and held discussions with the young people who were present. I spoke briefly with the C.E.O of Wolsely. His manner was highly hospitable and he explained to the best possible level his business and field very well. My interest was curtailed due to the scheduling allowing what must have been less than 20 minutes of his and the other C.E.O.’s time. This hindering itinerary must be addressed for future events, further time would have been invaluably positive to some discussions.
To close the day Marks and Spencer C.E.O Stuart Rose who organised the event spoke about the aims of the concept. He told of the expansion of The Big Conversation to the rest of the country. To his credit he prepared an event that made everyone feel welcome, the day ran smoothly. Hopefully the event’s productivity will match the time he has invested.
Stuart Rose, CEO of M&S
To conclude I believe the event was a good one and should be held repeatedly, events like this will accommodate other pressing issues like the National Curriculum. Such an event promoted and held under the same The Big Conversation moniker and structuring will be highly productive.
By Adam McDermont
Thursday 1st October, 2009
The National Steering Group
By Admin
Steering Group drives new approach. 28/8/09
It may have been August Bank Holiday weekend, but the Edge Learner Forum never sleeps! On 28th August our intrepid Steering Group held their second meeting, this time in the city of Nottingham.
In case you missed it last time round, the Steering group exists to put young people at the beating heart of ELF decision making, giving them the chance to push our future work towards the big issues facing the UK’s youth.
One of the big ideas that came out of the meeting was that the ELF should be promoted more in schools.
On the 25th of September a sub-steering group came together to design impact marketing material. The focus of the marketing material was based on ideas expressed by the steering group. They created an idea that will drive and promote ELF throughout schools. The material is aimed at employers, parents, young people and decision makers.
The ELF is looking to expand and the prime focus of the growth is to be centred on schools. So what can the Edge Learner Forum do for you? Do you feel like you are shackled? Like you can’t make a change? Like you are not heard? ELF will provide the tools, giving you a voice.
If you feel inclined to work towards and commentate creatively on the most pressing of issues in regards to education and contribute towards a brighter future then embrace this opportunity!
Ask people to invite us into your school? Members of the forum will inform all who want to be informed on the workings of The Edge Learner forum. The Steering Group’s primary mission is to put young people at the centre of the forum’s decision making, making youth influence the heart of how we operate and evolve.
Written by Adam McDermont and Nick Hagan
Thursday 1st October, 2009
The National Steering Group
By Admin
Steering Group drives new approach. 28/8/09
It may have been August Bank Holiday weekend, but the Edge Learner Forum never sleeps! On 28th August our intrepid Steering Group held their second meeting, this time in the city of Nottingham.
In case you missed it last time round, the Steering group exists to put young people at the beating heart of ELF decision making, giving them the chance to push our future work towards the big issues facing the UK’s youth.
One of the big ideas that came out of the meeting was that the ELF should be promoted more in schools.
On the 25th of September a sub-steering group came together to design impact marketing material. The focus of the marketing material was based on ideas expressed by the steering group. They created an idea that will drive and promote ELF throughout schools. The material is aimed at employers, parents, young people and decision makers.
The ELF is looking to expand and the prime focus of the growth is to be centred on schools. So what can the Edge Learner Forum do for you? Do you feel like you are shackled? Like you can’t make a change? Like you are not heard? ELF will provide the tools, giving you a voice.
If you feel inclined to work towards and commentate creatively on the most pressing of issues in regards to education and contribute towards a brighter future then embrace this opportunity!
Ask people to invite us into your school? Members of the forum will inform all who want to be informed on the workings of The Edge Learner forum. The Steering Group’s primary mission is to put young people at the centre of the forum’s decision making, making youth influence the heart of how we operate and evolve.
Written by Adam McDermont and Nick