Local business leaders team up with partnership board to train our future workforces
The launch of a major new schools-industry partnership will mean better opportunities for our region’s future workforces.
The NPCAT Industry Partnership Board aims to help schools equip Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT) pupils with the skills and qualifications needed for the jobs of the future.
Bradley Johnson, business leader and 2023 The Apprentice candidate returned to his old school for the launch of this ambitious partnership.
The board will be headquartered at St Peter’s Catholic College, Middlesbrough, where Bradley was once a pupil.
Bradley, MD of Ingleby Barwick-based Garden Rooms, was one of the speakers at a launch event at St Peter’s.
Transformative changes are on the horizon
Striking advances in AI (Artificial Intelligence) are just some of the transformative changes taking place.
Lisa Lindo, head of careers at NPCAT, wants the 38-school trust to stay one step ahead.
The initiative will build on the success of the pioneering FUTUREPROOF careers programme, and is designed to build stronger links between the trust and employers throughout the region.
The board includes curriculum directors, employers from a wide range of sectors and pupils themselves, and will work to create a better understanding between businesses and educators.
Ms Lindo said: “The industry partnership board is about us as an organisation ensuring our curriculum is fit for purpose. For too long, education professionals have not been sufficiently familiar with current thinking in other sectors.
“That’s why it’s imperative that employers challenge us through the Industry Partnership Advisory Board. They might tell us children coming from NPCAT don’t have the necessary knowledge, skills and qualities and they can help us shape or modify our curriculum.”
Progressive thinking is key
Ms Lindo continued: “You can never truly be ahead of the curve, but at least you can be in line with it.
“We want to engage with parents and carers directly, so if they’re in any way unsure how they can best assist their child in these key life decisions, we’re here to support them.
“They can also access our FUTUREPROOF website, which is regarded as system leading, and see what’s out there.”
NPCAT CEO Hugh Hegarty says the partnership will help the parties get to know each other better and truly understand each other’s needs and wants, and how they can align.
High-quality work experience opportunities are just one way the partnership is expected to help pupils exceed.
Employers will be able to access more than 15,000 pupils, helping to ensure a constant flow of talented young people who have the secondary education their sector needs.
Additionally, they will be offered free use of the facility as a training venue so they can upskill their existing staff.
Chris Zarraga, director of Schools North East, said: “It’s crucial we bridge the gap between businesses and educators across the North East. While they operate differently, they each share similar motivations and long-term goals.
“We all want our local businesses and students to succeed, and this partnership seems like it could be a key driving force that we can’t ignore.”
Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust (NPCAT) is a Schools North East Partner Trust. If you’d like to find out more about our Partner Programme click here.
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