Blackburn College are celebrating the culmination of the first year of an innovative teaching training programme designed to promote SET (Science, Engineering and Technology) within Further Education (FE).
Funded by the Education and Training Foundation, the ‘SET for Teaching Success’ programme has been designed to recruit and train teachers of SET subjects with new graduates and professionals with significant and relevant industry experience.
The scheme is designed to offer investment within the FE workforce, providing industry experts with the opportunity to achieve a teaching qualification whilst ensuring that FE pupils are able to access the latest in industry relevant skills and techniques.
Blackburn College have been commissioned by the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) to manage a Northern Hub for the scheme, working with a number of FE Colleges and independent training providers to support the delivery of the 1 or 2 year training programme.
Trainees of the 2017/18 programme recently attended a prestigious two-day event at the National STEM Learning Centre at the University of York, benefitting from a range of interactive sessions led by representatives from the Skills and Education Group and Blackburn College on behalf of the ETF.
Trainee Isaiah Oga, who has a BSc (Hons) Mechanical Engineering and an MSc in Energy Systems has been using his many years of industry experience to teach Engineering at Blackburn College.
Isaiah said: “I have been thoroughly supported throughout the programme and have benefitted immensely from the scheme because it has given me the opportunity to compare teaching techniques and decision making with my peers.
“The SET for Teaching Success programme has allowed me to share good practice with colleagues and facilitators from a diverse range of institutions and backgrounds and has exposed me to the skills required to make a great teacher.
“I am looking forward to becoming a well-rounded professional in Education and delivering excellent teaching and learning within several engineering subjects.”
Other trainees include Chris Fairclough who is the Academic Lead for Degree Apprenticeships (Nuclear) at Lakes Colleges and the National Centre for Nuclear.
Chris said: “I enjoy working with people who have the same objectives – to give the students the best possible learning experience to increase their chance of employment.
“The SET for Teaching Success programme has enhanced my experience as a trainee teacher by giving me the opportunity to converse with fellow technical trainee teachers. The range of guest speakers and the content that is covered throughout the course provides you with a wider picture of the FE sector.”
Nicola Clayton, Director of Business Development and External Engagement at Blackburn College said: “Blackburn College is proud to be leading a Northern Hub of Colleges and training providers to address the shortage of SET teachers.
“It is fantastic to celebrate the achievement of the first trainees from the SET for Teaching Success Programme. It’s great to see the enthusiasm and energy they have for their subject and they will be an excellent addition to the FE sector.”
If you would like to find out more about the SET for Teaching Success programme, please email Catherine.pearson@blackburn.ac.uk.
Find out more about the Education and Training Foundation here – www.et-foundation.co.uk
