Helping young people succeed
'Studio Schools' giving local businesses a lead role in training young people are part of the Council's vision for future education and training of 14 to 19-year-olds.
Studio Schools - or Industrial Centres of Excellence - is an idea put forward by the Council's Children's Services under a proposal called 'Skills for Lifelong Learning, Decent Work and Fulfilling Lives'.
The proposal sets out how it hopes to work with partner organisations to ensure young people are equipped to succeed in the modern world.
It includes two documents, the first of which is 'Bradford District Statement of Need 2012-13'. This allows partner organisations to agree priorities for the needs of 14-19-year-olds in the district and enables any Government funding goes where it is most needed. It also lays out what the Council is looking for in any organisations it commissions to provide the training or services needed for young people.
'Industrial Centres of Excellence', the second document, proposes the creation of 'Studio Schools' which will allow businesses design and deliver education and training in their sector as well as tackling where skills are needed. The first Studio Schools would cover: construction; retail; distribution and logistics; financial and business services; and creative and digital.
Coun Ralph Berry, Executive Member for Children's Services, said: "Giving businesses a key role in preparing young people to succeed in their working lives, will hopefully cut the numbers leaving education without any specific direction and bridge any skills gaps being experienced by potential employers.
"I look forward to seeing how the Studio Schools develop and progress."
A report on this new strategy will be discussed by the Council's Children and Young People's Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday 25 January and its Executive on Friday 10 February.
