Employers go back to school
Posted: 23rd January 2012
As part of the development of real world learning we joined forces with a local company called EC Harris who are a leading international built asset consultant and are currently working with the leading clients in the telecommunications industry. We wanted the learners to realise how important their English skills are and they are not just taught to be used in the classroom. So we teamed up with EC Harris and produced a competition which included each class dividing into small groups of about three learners.
The challenge was to design a new shop for a mobile phone - they had to think about three aspects: the shop front, the sales area and the shop layout. To achieve this, learners had to use their skills in formal language, persuasive techniques and communication skills when presenting their ideas.
One winner from each class was chosen and then two groups from each block were selected to attend the finally round at EC Harris Office. Once there, each group had to present their work to a panel of judges from industry, these included: Lloyds bank, Orange and EC Harris who listened to each group in turn and after much deliberation selected a winner. The winning team were 7X1 and they were Nura Sheikh, Kevin Gibba and Holly Capon.
All the learners were really nervous, they really enjoyed and valued the experience. One learner commented on how nice the panel were, another learner commented on how lovely the lunch was; further comments included how much they enjoyed themselves. Seeing as the competition was such a success we are hoping to join forces with EC Harris again next year.
