Enabling excellence during Learning at Work Week

Teaching staff from across Education Partnership North East’s group of colleges have taken part in a series of workshops led by local employers to better understand current and future workforce skills requirements. 

As part of Learning at Work Week (5 to 11 October 2020), representatives from some of the group’s key industries including Nissan and Marelli (engineering and automotive), Home Group (health and social care) and Berwickshire Housing Association (construction) delivered virtual presentations  via Microsoft Teams. 

The sessions also allowed staff from Hartlepool Sixth Form, Northumberland College and Sunderland College to engage in conversations directly with the employers about how workforce requirements can be met through curriculum delivery. 

Lynne Henderson, Learning and Development Business Partner, said: “The sessions were extremely beneficial and were well received by teaching staff across our colleges. 

“It is vital our staff remain experts in their field by keeping their industry skills, knowledge and experience up to date and relevant so they can bring learning to life to inspire and motivate our students. 

“The workshops strengthen our links with local employers, offering an insight into their skills, training and resource needs, which helps shape our curriculum to meet these requirements.” 

Learning at Work Week also saw Education Partnership North East launch its new approach to professional development, which will enable staff to grow and excel in their current roles, and to work towards their future career goals. 

The online platform, Enabling Excellence, introduces new professional development frameworks with a range of supporting resources available for teaching practitioners, as well as learning activities and reflective tools. 

A new ‘Centre of Excellence’ learning hub has been created, signposting staff to a range of free learning opportunities, including a focus on developing digital skills and looking after their physical and mental well-being through virtual live sessions, presentations and webinars.