New Derby College Academy Boosts Vital Skills

Derby, United Kingdom, July 07, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Derby College are launching one of the first Careers Academies in the East Midlands and leading the way in boosting construction and civil engineering skills which will be vital to the economy’s future recovery.

About ten of the 40 students expected to start on the new BTEC Nationals in Construction at the College’s new flagship Roundhouse vocational campus in September will be earmarked to join the Careers Academy – giving them access to an enhanced programme running alongside their BTEC National Programmes of Study.

Additional support will include contact with ‘guru lecturers’ and Mentors engaged in the construction professions and vital work experience including a summer internship in summer 2011.

Steve Logan, Head of The Roundhouse which is the College’s flagship vocational academy, explained: "The Careers Academies’ roots were founded in the American financial services industry where it was proved that enhanced links with established professionals and additional support raised the aspirations and motivation of students to achieve their goals and move onto successful careers.

"The programme will be run in partnership with regional businesses and with the organisation, Careers Academies UK, who will support the College and our students on this first programme.

"This will be an exciting time for students on construction and civil engineering programmes as they will not only benefit from the 21st century learning resources at the Roundhouse but will also have the chance to join this enhanced Careers Academy programme which will open so many doors for them in the industry.

"It is highly appropriate to concentrate on professional construction for this pilot Careers Academy programme in the College as these skills will be vital in the future recovery of the UK economy."

Students will be based at The Roundhouse which has been transformed into a state of the art learning facility for Derby College by Bowmer & Kirkland.

B&K Director Paul Lomas, said: "We wholeheartedly support this initiative. Construction has suffered a skills shortage for a number of years and any initiative which encourages and helps our youngsters to choose a career in construction is to be welcomed.

"The future of our economy is dependent on the skills learnt by our young people. Derby College’s Career Academy will give them a tremendous opportunity."

Steve Logan Head, of The Roundhouse concluded: "Students will be earmarked for the Careers Academy during the first few weeks of the new College year in September. This is a pilot programme and, if successful, we have a longer term view to roll out the model across other areas in the curriculum."

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