Derby College has become a pioneer centre for the launch of TechBac®, a new vocational curriculum and qualification which has been developed in partnership with industry.
Derby College is one of six pioneer centres in the UK and has introduced the TechBac in Construction this term with further curriculum areas due to roll out the options in 2015.
TechBac® is an entirely new professional programme designed to give 14 to 19 year olds an exciting alternative path towards an apprenticeship, higher education or employment.
The inspiring programme has been designed in partnership with employers and experts from the further education sector, to equip young people with the skills they need to confidently enter the world of work and pave the way to a successful career.
It combines a technical qualification and an accredited project qualification, with practical work experience and essential workplace skills to deliver a dynamic and varied programme of study to get young people ready for work. And it helps them stand out from the crowd.
Online mentoring is a key part of the programme. Learners are paired with a mentor to give them an invaluable insight into their chosen industry and practical advice to help them find a job.
Kirstie Donnelly, UK managing director of City & Guilds, said: “It’s clear from our research, and from our conversations with employers, that the education system is moving further and further away from the needs of business.
“High levels of youth unemployment and increasing skills gaps across many sectors show that the education young people are receiving is not helping them to develop relevant skills or enough understanding of the workplace to successfully compete and find employment, and our research shows employers are not getting what they need.
“That’s why we have launched the City & Guilds TechBac – a new curriculum that provides learners with a professional pathway to their chosen career and the technical qualifications and skills they need to progress in work.
A young person who has successfully completed a TechBac will provide a signal to business that they are work ready.”
The qualifications at the heart of the TechBac have been submitted for UCAS points to keeps all options open for those who are undecided whether they want to continue into higher education or employment.
Derby College Head of Construction Trevor Burton added: “We were keen to become a pioneer centre for the introduction of TechBac to build on the strong employer links that we already have – particularly within the construction industry.
“The TechBac therefore formalises the good work that is already underway at the College. By offering students a qualification which has been developed with and endorsed by employers we can equip our young people with the skills they need to be tomorrow’s industry leaders.”
