Teachers get learning ahead of new diplomas
Teachers from across Warwickshire have been getting set for new Specialised Diplomas by discovering just where their books come from and experiencing some cutting-edge IT in action.
They recently visited Pearson Distribution and DHL Exel Supply solutions in Rugby.
The day was organised by Julie O’Toole, Enterprise Development Officer from the Warwickshire Education Business Partnership to support the teaching of new Specialised Diplomas, which get underway next year.
Pearson Distribution have fully automated warehousing and invoicing processes which gave the teachers access to cutting edge IT at work in business. DHL Exel supply chain is a global leader in supply chain management with IT systems, which reflect this.
Pearson is an international media company with world-leading businesses in education, business information and consumer publishing. All processes from accepting books from the publishers to sending them out to the retail and private customer were observed in detail.
Employees from both companies were eager to share their experiences and chatted with the teachers answering any questions they had.
Julie O’Toole said: ”With the new specialised diplomas coming on board in 2008, we wanted to give the teachers an experience of IT in industry that they could use in their teaching of this new curriculum. The courses will be very employer focused and the information gained from days like today should give meaning to the theory the students are learning.”
While learning about the uses of IT in the DHL Exel business, the teachers’ attention was drawn towards a few hundred thousand cans of beer – all empty! (photograph available)
Warwickshire Education Business Partnership works as part of Warwickshire County Council with businesses and schools to help address the constant demand from employers for school leavers to be ‘work ready’.