'Expert
Classes’ help learners
to develop their taste
for excellence
Fifteen York College
apprentices were given
a chance to develop their
skills by attending ‘expert
classes’ in stonemasonry
and brickwork, as part
of the ‘From Competence
to Excellence’ programme
which is currently being
offered by the Learning
and Skills Council, via
training providers up
and down the country.
The ‘expert classes’
demonstrate the difference
between satisfactory
skills and outstanding
skills and encourage
learners to strive for
the difference. They
give an insight into
the latest technology
and innovation and underline
the world class skills
needed in tomorrow’s
workplace.
Kevin Calpin & Mike
Burdett, World Skills
Training Managers and
tutors at York College,
agree that the programme
provided a great opportunity
to take learners to the
next level. Says Kevin:
“By demonstrating the
difference between competence
and excellence and encouraging
learners to strive for
this, we are able to
develop the outstanding
learners and employees
of the future. We have
shared information and
passed on the best skills
in the industry to our
learners.”
In addition, former
York College stonemasonry
student and World Skills
silver medallist, Gary
Collier, who works for
Lloyd & Smith in
Oldham, was on hand to
pass on his expertise.
Helen France, Director
of Apprenticeships at
the LSC said: “The LSC
believes that this programme
will help apprentices
and vocational learners
to take their skills
to world class levels.
Understanding the difference
between being competent
and excellent is a crucial
part of any learner’s
journey. Expert classes
also allow trainers to
develop better links
with employers and really
promote world class skills
across a range of industries.
The expert input that
apprentices get in these
classes will be a fantastic
boost to their learning
and demonstrate the real
value of an Apprenticeship
for their future.”
The ‘From Competence
to Excellence’ programme
is a stepping stone for
participants, helping
them move from learners
to experts. With the
UK WorldSkills event
on the horizon, some
of them may even become
future entrants to the
UK WorldSkills Event
in London in October
2011.
Press Release: 04/02/09 |
