London South East Colleges wins #TechKnowExchange government funding to attract industry experts

London South East Colleges has been selected by the Department for Education to take part in a pioneering industry exchange programme, aimed at strengthening ties between further education and businesses.

One of just 37 chosen providers around the country, London South East Colleges has been awarded around £50,000 to run an innovative 14-month project called #TechKnowExchange. This will bring together experts from the STEM, construction and aerospace industries with FE tutors from across London South East Colleges, to share knowledge and expertise.

Principal and CEO of London South East Colleges, Sam Parrett OBE, commented:

“Our #TechKnowExchange programme will enable industry specialists across the STEM, construction and Aviation/Aerospace sectors to share knowledge, expertise and develop learning resources with our own teaching staff. It’s vital that FE tutors maintain their industry knowledge and the Taking Teaching Further project will support this.

“I’m delighted that we have been chosen by the DfE to take part in this ground-breaking initiative as working closely with industry has always been a priority for us. This programme will further support our activity in this area, helping to upskill our tutors as well as hopefully attracting industry experts into teaching.”

The Government is committing £5m to its ‘Taking Teaching Further’ initiative, in an effort to encourage industry specialists to move into Further Education. It is being managed and delivered by the Education and Training Foundation, supporting an ongoing exchange between colleges and business. This will help to strengthen provision and ensure students gain the skills and knowledge that employers need.

David Russell, Chief Executive of the Education and Training Foundation, said:

“The Taking Teaching Further programme shows how our sector is rising to the challenge of building the country’s future. This programme will add significant impetus to the recruitment of world-class teachers and trainers into FE who combine teaching excellence with hands-on industry experience.

“Those who have been successful in this first tranche will set a new benchmark for bringing in talent and expertise to improve technical teaching and support the development of our brilliant FE workforce.”

Taking Teaching Further focuses on supporting priority sectors, including the first T Level subjects to be taught –Education and Childcare, Digital, and Construction – as well as Engineering and Manufacturing and other STEM subjects.