Education Business Links Service
Gateshead Council's Education Business Links Service is a delivery and strategic body bringing together key stakeholders from across the borough, the North East region and beyond. Our aim is to develop a more coherent approach to the development of effective and lasting links between local education and business.
More than at any time, employer engagement is seen as a vital dimension and integral part of effective education and development of young people in a rapidly changing curriculum and global economy. For all the debate about standards in education, there is a good measure of agreement about the personal attributes and work related learning knowledge young people should develop during their time in education particularly with the introduction of the new Diploma.
There is growing realisation that attributes such as these can be developed both within a classroom setting and externally within the context of work related learning, participation and intervention through activities arranged by Education Business Partnerships such as Gateshead Council's Education Business Links Service, which is part of the Raising Achievement Service.
EBLS work closely with Connexions to support the delivery of the national standards for Information and Guidance (IAG).
Gateshead EBLS is part of the National Education Business Partnership Network (NEBPN), an umbrella organisation and national voice for 126 Education Business Partnerships working in 11 regions.
The Education Business Links Service offers a varied portfolio of activities and support for children and young people aged 5 to 25. We currently offer:
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Curriculum Support – These rolling programmes are designed to increase awareness of the careers pathways and progression routes into sector specific areas and link into the curriculum and academic timetable of schools.
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Employer Engagement – Work-related learning supported by employers and business, has been a statutory part of the curriculum since 2004 and is an essential component of the new Diplomas. The Business Ambassador ensures representatives from the world of business are trained, knowledgeable and supported whilst engaging in education and work related learning activities.
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Enterprise – The Service offers a complete and varied menu of enterprise activities and programmes, ranging from one day events designed to engage and introduce pupils to the principles, to rolling programmes created to demonstrate the main enterprise skills and attitudes.
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PSHE/Citizenship – We offer a range of programmes and support packages covering Financial Capability, Interview Skills, Citizenship and PSHE.
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Extended Work Related Learning Placements – EBLS now provide individual, tailored placements for Key Stage 4/5 students in a number of sectors, identified by the students with support from EBLS and Teaching Staff. The Service is well positioned to develop and deliver high quality placements in relation to new Diploma lines.
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Continued Professional Development or Professional Development Placements (PDPs) play an important role in helping teachers to develop the curriculum which is particularly important in the light of the increase in numbers of young people who are following vocational courses. They can also help to improve teachers' management skills, promote new ideas and update their skills while enriching the curriculum and developing a vocational input.
If you would like further information about the Education Business Links Service or you are a company or employer wishing to engage in supporting educational programmes or placements, please contact the EBLS Team on 0191 433 8654.