By Duncan Newman, Economic Development Officer
I was delighted to hear that the Grange School had been awarded ‘BTEC School of the Year 2017’.
It’s a brilliant achievement and well deserved. The school has worked hard to develop successful relationships with local businesses to support students studying for BTEC qualifications.
In September 2018, The Grange School is delivering a BTEC level 3 in Engineering and liaising with other secondary schools to offer the course to their students too.
The course, which is equivalent to A level standard, will include six weeks work experience in Engineering and give students the opportunity to move onto an apprenticeship or Further Education. Bournemouth and Poole College and Brockenhurst College are both involved in the course.
For students looking to progress further, there will be option to study in Year 13 to study at Level 4 (equivalent to 3 x A levels or HNC/HND Level) with potential access to university.
I have been working closely with Rob to try and address the skills shortage within the Engineering Sector in the local area.
When I met with Rob recently he explained, “We are aiming to have strong links with the various sectors of Engineering to show the students the exciting careers available locally and to give the employers a chance to shape the training so the students are ‘apprenticeship and employment ready’ The BTEC Level 3 course offers a flexible approach to meet the needs of the engineering companies and the interests of the students.”
A number of notable businesses in the Engineering sector have already signed up to support the BTEC course including: Ultra Electronics, Nuclear Control Systems, Curtiss-Wright, Cobham Special Mission, Locators Ltd, Cobham PLC, Reid Steel, Signature TechnicAir, Beagle Technology Group and TG Engineering.
If your business is in the Engineering sector then you can find out more about how you can support and benefit from the BTEC in Engineering at the Business Breakfast at The Grange School on 20th September from 8am – 9am.
To book your place contact me on 01202 795528 or email: dnewman@christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk.