Diploma, Apprenticeship and the Croydon Education Business Partnership

 We were there to discuss the launch of the diplomas which start in September 2011. We are very proud to be taking part in this exciting new qualification.

 

The meeting was to discuss a strategy for the future projects. It really helped to get to know the local area and the local people involved. They are looking to involve press in the launch of this and to ask employers to champion a diploma. It is so important to get the young people excited by these opportunities that will support students by integrating work based learning into the qualification, fully preparing them for the world of employment.

 

I discussed the options that we have to offer young people of the borough that I believe will enthuse the students and help them to find future career options. We are looking to do small projects with local schools and colleges as well as our continuous support with the work experience we take on. My plans are to run monthly workshops for local students such as fashion illustration workshops, retail visual merchandising workshops and many other similar areas of fashion. These will be monthly events lasting a day, where 10-15 students from the local area can attend and learn about a specific area of fashion. It will be on a first come first serve basis and free to local students. We also discussed members of our teams going into schools and giving career advice to students who want it.

 

The first step we will be taking is to run a competition with a local school or college. This will be discussed with the school involved and tailored for us and the students.

 

We are also looking to run fashion shows in the local community that the local students can be part of, from helping with posters for the event, to the organisation of the event or help with the designs being displayed.

 

This was a very productive meeting and I look forward to working with the local schools and students.

 

by Megan Cooke