Yesterday I hosted a conference at Merill Lynch in London. Founded by Patrick Philpott an 18 year old entrepreneur, SKILL London was an excellent event to encourage young people about the skills needed for the world of work. Speakers at the event included Katie Ledger, Andy Lopata, Simon Woodruffe of Yo Sushi/ Dragon’s Den and yours truly. There was also a panel of entrepreneurs judging student creativity including Tim Millard-Shephard, Annika Bosanquet, Oli Barrett and Julie Meyer. The focus was clearly on getting students to really think about how to foster entrepreneurial thinking and action.
I had a great conversation with some attendees from the sponsoring law firms after the event. We waxed lyrical about the neccesity for a link between business and education. Maybe a placing of teachers in the world of work. I agree that their agencies like Education Business Partnerships serve a fantastic role in making students aware of what employers want but I think there should be more of a hands on approach with regard to teachers. Ironically today I delivered a public speaking workshop to a group of grammar school teachers in South London. One of the teachers had the same sentiment that I did that bridge for linking needs to improve.
Schools do ensure a lot of students pass exams but how many really understand about preparing them properly for the world of work if they are not exposed to these environments?
Filed under: Faith, Work , Patrick Philpoot, Simon Woodruffe, SKILL london
I concur. I see the same thing happening with school highscience ed in the states. Teachers prepare them for state tests but not for the rigors of college science. Thus, the average freshman in a science class is still woefully unprepared to handle the culture of a college science class or lab.
If only K-12 teachers and college teachers sat down and discussed how to make the curriculum continuitous. Then the college classroom (and the study habits needed to survive) would be such a shock to new students.
Heartily agree with the sentiments of your piece but you may want to correct the spelling of Tim Millar-Shepherd’s name when you have a moment. No D in Millar and no A in Shepherd.