Doncaster Education City
Doncaster Education City (DEC) was a concept
distinctively different to any other venture, making learning more
fun. It meant students would learn different things, by different
ways, in state-of-the-art and ultra-modern places.
The idea began in 2002 as three strategic
partners, Doncaster Metropolitan Council, South Yorkshire Learning
and Skills Council and Doncaster College joined forces to push
forward vocational education across the Borough.
Since that time the understanding of Doncaster
Education City as a concept, as well as a strong partnership,
further developed. The partnership steadily grew in size and
influence with partners firmly believing that by working together
they could be more than the sum of the parts. In addition they were
convinced that they would make a greater impact on meeting
challenging education, training and employment targets.
The voluntary uniting of autonomous service
providers and employers, as well as learners, was clearly
central to DEC's success. Working together partners were able
to:-
- support each other to think differently and
innovatively
- harness the best of the new technologies
- work across boundaries
- share expertise, build on and disseminate
success
- jointly analyse and tackle barriers to
learning
- gain wider access to the voice of the
learner
- identify, champion and facilitate local
solutions to meet the individual needs of
the learner and the collective needs of the Borough.
DEC developed an infrastructure to support
partnership working. This structure included the DEC Strategy
Board, an Operational Planning Group and Area Councils. Through
these groups key priorities for action were identified and taken
forward through Task and Complete groups. The DEC Strategy Board
also approved a DEC Strategic Plan. The Plan establishes principles
and protocols for partnership working as well as providing a
framework which would chart the progress of DEC and set milestones
on the road to agreed targets. This Plan set the context and
conditions in which Doncaster could truly become an “Education
City”.
DEC's mission - Transforming learning,
changing lives
All people in Doncaster will have access
to:
- a comprehensive range of inclusive, high
quality learning opportunities that meet individual as well as
Borough-wide needs and which maximise their potential.
- Effective guidance and support to help them
make well-informed choices and to encourage further progression and
high achievement.
DEC for Business
DEC transformed Doncaster through learning
and united businesses as well as learners. World-class
education and training is available to all, including those who may
have been discouraged from learning. This integrated approach to
learning provides a more skilled and better trained workforce that
allows Doncaster businesses new and old to be more competitive and
productive.
Future employment was one of the key
objectives for the students and tutors. Through the involvement of
business and private sector partners, such as yourselves, DEC
increases student aspirations by providing clear pathways to the
availability of foundation degrees. Firms will also be able to help
develop their own courses, bespoke to their particular needs.
Employer Engagement
There are many opportunities for employers and
employees to provide/undertake further training, ranging from work
based learning to professional qualifications.
Apprenticeships
Developing staff through a modern
apprenticship is another option. This involves helping people learn
how to do the job, get the skills employers need, gain recognised
qualifications and get paid at the same time.
Enhanced opportunities
Many professionals maintain, update and
enhance their qualifications around their career in order to
maximise career enhancment opportunities. There are many options in
specific professions
Management Experience
For those who have management experience
looking to develop their business qualifications/skills an MBA is a
positive option to give career potential and personal development
added muscle.