Lessons in the world of work

Mar 19 2008 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

YOUNGSTERS are learning about the world of work with the help of a leading offshore engineering business.

Duco, the Newcastle-based manufacturer of underwater cables for the oil and gas industries, has formed a new partnership with Heaton Manor School to help students learn and understand more about life in business.

The company will support a range of programmes at Heaton Manor, which will make connections between subjects studied at school and future career options.

The school, in Jesmond Park West, Newcastle, is committed to building links with outside organisations to enhance education of its students.

In addition to providing work experience placements for sixth-form students, Duco will deliver workshops and presentations at the school.

Alasdair Macdonald, managing director of Duco, said: “This partnership is about broadening the horizons of young people and giving them the opportunity to discover more about our industry.”

John Dryden, Heaton Manor headteacher, added: “We very much see this as a long-term partnership central to our target of closing the gaps between the school curriculum and work-based skills.”