Leading supplier and installer of Design and Technology equipment for schools, HME Technology Ltd, has launched an innovative scheme in a bid to put Design and Technology (D&T) at the forefront of the National Curriculum, addressing the issue of a skills shortage that is expected to arise in the UK. 

The Worcestershire-based firm has put together 15 sets of teacher task sheets focused on assisting teachers with D&T. Teachers can use the task sheets as a catalyst in planning lessons up to Key Stage 4, featuring a guide that identifies various engineering subjects to help deliver the curriculum.

The task sheets designed to support teachers in using their creativity will enable them to plan the students lessons in woodwork, welding, laser cutting, 3D printing and much more.

Its task sheets have recently been implemented at the Isle of Wight Studio School, which has just undertaken a huge £250,000 improvement project including commissioning HME Technology to install a new suite of D&T equipment. Following the renovation, the teacher will be using the task sheets to exploit the wide range of machines for its D&T courses, encouraging students to recognise the vast range of career paths they can follow with the right skills.

Head Teacher, Richard White at the Isle of Wight Studio School said: “We are pleased to have been presented with HME Technology’s D&T teacher task sheets in a bid to boost interest in studying the subject at GCSE. The task sheets will enable teachers to confidently and successfully plan and teach lessons in this field, using an array of 14 different machines.

“We fully support the ambition to see the subject at the core of the national curriculum, as without it, the shortfall in skilled workers could have a serious effect on the UK economy. We devote ourselves to the future careers of 14 -19 year olds on the Isle of Wight and believe that D&T provides the skills required in many careers.”

HME Technology’s Chairman, Martyn Hale, is concerned by the impact the forthcoming shortfall may have on the UK economy.

Recent statistics published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that employment in the UK is at its highest rate on record, with employers posting a record number of vacancies. However, recruiters are still reporting a large number of international candidates applying for each position advertised.

In 2013, the Employer Skills Survey (ESS), which interviews more than 90,000 employers every two years, reported a proportion of positions, from 16% to 22%, remaining unfilled due to a rise in the lack of candidates with the right skills, experience or qualifications. This is equivalent to 146,000 skills shortage vacancies.
The ESS indicates that manufacturing employers recruiting job roles in the skilled trades such as electricians, technicians etc. were particularly likely to be affected, facing a skills shortages.

Martyn Hale, Chairman of HME Technology, said: “Design & Technology is suffering because it’s not at the forefront of teachers’ minds. It is currently an optional subject.

“We would urge that D&T should be in the core subjects. It is estimated that without such measures, there will be a deficit of 340,000 engineers in the UK by 2020.

“It is quite harrowing what the future holds if D&T is not pushed in the curriculum. There will be a severe shortage of skilled manual workers and this will affect the economy in the UK as manufacturing may have to leave the country completely or be brought in from abroad.

“With the introduction of the task sheets, our goal is to help teachers deliver exciting lessons. The lessons will hopefully inspire students to study D&T further, and help shape the UK for a brighter future.”

For more information please visit www.hme-tech.com, call 01527 839000 or email contact@hme-tech.com.

• Over half of those in the educational profession think feeling valued in a job is a top priority
• 56 per cent of workers are self-motivators, driving themselves to succeed.
• More than two-thirds of workers enjoy collaborative working to achieve results.
• Supportive language and encouragement are key to creating a motivation culture.
• Argos for Business is working alongside Roger Black MBE, 3 times Olympic medallist and motivational speaker, as part of ‘Employee Motivation Day’

Delving into the industry’s motivation levels, a nationwide study found that over half of those in the educational profession think feeling valued in a job is a top priority, with more than a quarter saying recognition for their hard work actively motivates them to work harder.

New research also reveals that British employees, including ones in the education sector, are, on the whole, happy at work, with a third feeling inspired to succeed every day and 70 per cent feeling positive about work more than three days a week. This counters a common misconception that we’re a nation of disgruntled employees pushing paper.

Ahead of the second Employee Motivation Day on 25th February, the study into the behaviours of the UK’s workers highlights that team dynamics play the most important role in employee satisfaction, with two-thirds of all workers enjoying being part of a team.

The research examined how various personality types of team-workers also take on very different roles. Businesses can thrive by encouraging a collaborative working environment that allows each personality type to have an impact – while there is no ‘I’, there is definitely a ‘me’ in team

The most popular work personality is Captain Questions. A fifth of workers place themselves in this category, with exploring and problem solving what they most enjoy about work. These are the most likely candidates to call collective brainstorms to reach a decision and also the most likely to encourage free-thinking and offer thanks for all suggestions and input.

The second most popular personality type is, conversely, Independent Introverts, with 15 per cent of employees making considered and informed decisions on their own before expressing them out loud, followed by Confident Creatives (11 per cent). Just over one in five employees will be a Big Idea Bod, understanding that it will be others in the group who make their ‘big picture’ thinking feasible.

Despite clearly being a nation of team players, the research reveals that 56 per cent of workers believe they themselves are their biggest motivators, suggesting a personal ambition to make an impact is driving workers. Perhaps this is why only a small group (one in seven employees) are People-Orientated Performers – those eager to motivate others instead of themselves.

For this people-orientated performers, a third believed that even the smallest gesture of thanking people for their input goes a long way in motivating them to participate and, case in point, three quarters of workers remember a time they were verbally praised.

A third of workers claim that simply encouraging collaborative working and allowing the different personality types to compliment each other is the best way to motivate employees.

In keeping with the collaborative working theme, 36 per cent of employees thought taking the time to listen to other ways of working helped increase levels of motivation. A quarter of employees also claim that being involved in decisions helps to boost positive attitudes in the workplace.

The study comes ahead of Employee Motivation Day 2016, a day created by Argos for Business to inspire passion and appreciation across the country’s workforce. The leading provider of incentive and motivational solutions is hosting this annual event to encourage all organisations to put motivation to the forefront of business thinking and champion creative ways of engaging staff.

Argos for Business is working alongside Roger Black MBE, 3 times Olympic medallist and motivational speaker, as part of ‘Employee Motivation Day’. Roger identifies himself as a ‘Captain Question’ within a team, encouraging free-thinking and offering words of encouragement to teammates: “In 1991, the British Team won a gold medal for the 4×400 metre relay team in the World Championships. In a brave move, we made a team decision to change the running order the night before the race, and that decision ultimately resulted in a gold medal.

“By giving your team members room to brainstorm and make collaborative decisions about what they do, you will see an increase in engagement and a greater commitment to tasks – because they have made it their own. Argos for Business’ research showed that taking on responsibility was the main motivator for over a quarter of UK employees, and this resonates in the workplace, as well as the sporting arena.”

Emma Glennon, head of key clients at Argos for Business, says “Our new research casts a positive light on the UK industry, with employees proving to be happy at work and championing team spirit. This contradicts the doom and gloom stories about the daily grind.

“The team dynamic findings are interesting as they show a delicate balance between working as a collective, while being self-motivated. This ‘best-of-both-worlds’ type of work ethos stimulates personal satisfaction and ambition, within collaborative and positive working environments.

“That’s not to say self-starters who need little motivation from others should be overlooked when it comes to incentives and rewards, however. Instead companies should acknowledge and reward them in ways that suit the individual. Ultimately, a one size fits all approach is not advisable, particularly when you consider how many personalities make up a team.”

Employees and employers can get involved in National Employee Motivation Day by downloading the motivation resource pack from www.employeemotivationday.co.uk, or by visiting the dedicated Facebook and Twitter pages, using the hashtags #EmployeeMotivationDay #EMD #MakeTheTeam and #NatMotivateDay.

For more information about Argos for Business please visit www.argosforbusiness.co.uk

-Agencies supporting UK’s young people need better collaboration to address increasingly complex issues says Central YMCA Chief-

Research by charity Central YMCA has revealed the biggest causes of harm to young people in Britain today – with failing to succeed within the education system, a lack of employment opportunities, and issues related to body image topping the list.

The research questioned 1600 16-25 year olds in the UK about the major challenges they face and the factors most affecting their ability to build happier lives for themselves. 

Their responses have been used to create an index of issues – with the most commonly cited (i.e. that causing most harm) scoring 100.

Lack of employment opportunities came out top with 100, failing to succeed within the education system came second with 92, while issues relating to body image came out third with 86. 

The research also investigated what young people felt were the main barriers to overcoming these challenges, with being in a low income bracket, a lack of or poor education, and health issues (including mental health) cited as the major concerns. 

“The challenges facing young people today are wide, complex and constantly changing, which is why it’s essential that we continue to listen to the needs of young people and find ways to address issues causing them harm” said Rosi Prescott, CEO at Central YMCA. 

“One of the results which might be surprising is the emphasis placed on issues relating to body image, revealing the vulnerability of young people to such concerns and suggesting the very real, lasting damage caused by low self-esteem.”

Bottom of the list of concerns for youngsters included: lack of a political voice, with an index score of 5, a worsening environment (14), lack of access to training (14), sexual health (27), and the policy of austerity (30). 

Rosi added: “Our research has unearthed crucial insight into some of the biggest issues facing our young people today, and will help shape the future direction of Central YMCA.

“Central YMCA has been evolving its support for young people for over 170 years, responding to the needs of Victorian society, post-war Britain and now the modern digital age.

“It may be that the current age has a higher quality of life than previous generations, but the emerging challenges such as concerns about body image, or the impact of always-on social networks cause genuine harm, especially to the most vulnerable young people within our society.

“What’s clear from the findings of this report is the interrelationship between the major challenges facing our young people.  As a consequence, our priority should be to help people in the round, not in isolation. To address these complex challenges, the agencies supporting young people need to work in partnership and be open to all parts of society.” 

A full list of rankings and the report can be found here: http://www.ymca.co.uk/ymca-world-of-good-report-2016/

For further information please visit www.ymca.co.uk.

British businesses set to fall behind as nearly one in five businesses who employ young people say they lack the required digital skills

London, 11^th February 2016 – The UK’s young people are very digitally savvy, however, they don’t know how to use their digital skills for work purposes, according to 47% of senior decision makers surveyed in a YouGov online poll commissioned by Capgemini UK, one of the world’s foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services. The study highlights the growing need for those aged 16-25 to develop a stronger foundation in digital skills – defined as being able to use collaboration and communication tools, design software, as well as understand the cloud and develop apps – as employers place greater value in these capabilities than ever before.

At a time when the health of UK plc is increasingly dependent on a digital economy, the Capgemini study of over 1,000 employers of young people revealed that 84% of interviewees agree digital literacy is important in their place of business. However, a significant 18% believe that not enough young people have the specific digital skills needed for their organisation. This increases to more than one in three (37%) in IT and telecoms, and one in five in media, marketing, advertising, PR & sales (20%).

Of the digital skills listed, the ability to use the internet for work purposes (87%), staying safe online (87%) and creating basic digital content (84%) were identified as the most sought after when recruiting young people. Looking ahead in five years’ time, of those listed, the ability to protect personal and work information ranked the highest (20%), which could be seen as a response to the recent major cyber-attacks.

Alex Smith-Bingham, Head of Digital, Capgemini UK, commented: “Young people have grown up with technology at their fingertips but clearly there is more work to do to develop the digital skills that are required in the workplace. Our research highlights that being adept with social media and consumer technology is simply not enough if the UK is to compete in the global digital economy. While there is a genuine risk that the shortage of digital skills will pull British businesses behind their international counterparts, it can also be seen as an opportunity for all. By supporting the education system in the development of young people and the application of their digital literacy, the business community can ensure that they are all equipped with the best tools and skills possible to develop bright careers; in whatever industry they choose.”

The research into the digital literacy of young people and the impact on UK businesses was developed as part of a new Digital Partnership with The Prince’s Trust, which will see Capgemini deliver a series of programmes teaching 600 of the most disadvantaged young people in the UK the skills necessary to develop a career in today’s digital economy.

Paul Brown, Director at The Prince’s Trust, said: “Many of the young people The Trust supports haven’t had experience of applying digital skills in the workplace and don’t always realise the growing significance of this to employers across a range of sectors. Whether it’s a job in retail, hospitality or even accounting, solid digital literacy is as much a fundamental requisite as traditional academic qualifications. Without it, applicants face missing out on the roles they want, which is why we’re committed to helping young people develop their skills in this area.

“Together with Capgemini, we will help hundreds of young people to succeed in today’s job market, focusing in particular on helping them to develop the specific digital skills that are increasingly sought after by employers across the UK.”

The study covered 13 industry sectors; those that place the greatest value on young people having digital skills in their business include:

• Media, marketing, advertising, PR & sales (100%)
• IT & Telecoms (98%)
• Finance and accounting (92%)
• Medical (88%)
• Retail (82%)

Primary school children across the UK showed off their digital skills as part of Chinese New Year celebrations this week.

Pupils from Discovery Education’s partner schools used innovative digital resources from the Discovery Education Espresso service to learn about the 15 day festival, which this year marks the start of the Year of The Monkey.

As part of the celebrations pupils watched a special animated film – The Great Race, which tells the story of the Chinese Zodiac, and shows why each year has an animal name. The lively interactive video is the centrepiece of Discovery Education Espresso’s Chinese New Year module, which includes a whole range of digital resources linked to each area of the curriculum.

With Chinese-themed activities in maths, literacy and art, pupils enjoyed taking part in online Sudoku games, completing a Chinese dragon number line, reading ebooks about Chinese culture, and making a Chinese dragon. They also had the opportunity to put their computer programming skills to the test, by coding a Chinese Zodiac themed game, a new and timely addition to the Discovery Education Coding service.

One of the schools taking part was Broadgreen Primary School in Liverpool. Headteacher Ann-Marie Moore said:

“Our younger pupils have really enjoyed celebrating the start of Chinese New Year, and learning about a different culture. The interactive digital resources were really popular, and helped to bring the festival to life in a fun and accessible way.”

Jessie Bronze from Discovery Education said:

“Our digital resources are designed to bring the real world into the classroom, and to help younger pupils experience and understand different cultures. When planning and producing this content we thought about how we could best help children explore the festival in a cross-curricular way. I’m thrilled that the Broadgreen pupils had so much fun using our Chinese New Year videos, activities, books and printable resources.”

Discovery Education Espresso is an award winning, video-rich digital learning service for primary schools. With nearly 20,000 digital media resources, which can be applied to any lesson, the service supports the delivery of the National Curriculum and helps teachers to integrate digital media into everyday learning.