A South Cumbrian technology company is partnering with a local multi-academy educational trust.
Ulverston-based electronics company Forge Europa has been announced as a new employer partner of South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust (SCMAT).
It will work with the Trust, led by Furness College, on initiatives to link the curriculum to skills pupils will need in their future careers.
SCMAT’s member schools will benefit from opportunities including shared technical expertise in design and technology lessons in schools and specialist talks and Q&A sessions about working in the industry.
The Trust will also work with Forge to help shape the curriculum in design, development and manufacturing for its member schools.
Julie Barton, human resources director at Forge Europa, said: “Forge’s LED lighting business is built on innovation and our success is down to a talented team with qualifications, experience, skills, and tenacity.
“Forge is excited to be working with SCMAT. Together, we can help share the skills, knowledge and resilience to support the next generation to thrive in an ever-changing world and workplace.”
SCMAT chief executive and executive headteacher Professor Andrew Wren said the trust was delighted to be approached by Forge Europa.
“Forge has been running for nearly 30 years at the cutting-edge of development and manufacturing of LED lighting and has so much expertise to share with the next generation,” he said.
“As a trust, we have a clear vision to prepare pupils for high quality careers in major growth areas of the economy and we know that design, development and manufacturing is a priority area for skills.
“As a forward-thinking company, Forge shares our values of innovating to ensure pupils have the right qualifications for the world of work and we will be working with them to identify what skills and expertise are needed.
“We are keen to develop a bank of committed employer partners to support our vision to give young people the best chance for their future.
“Breadth and depth of employer engagement is fundamental to the success of the SCMAT as we work with industry to ensure our education offer includes the professional, personal and technical skills that employers are seeking.”
South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust was launched in September with founding partner Chetwynde School. Vickerstown and Ormsgill schools will join the SCMAT in September 2022.
