From education to employment

Event Highlights Importance of English and Maths in the Workplace

A wide range of local businesses joined an event organised by Derby College to reiterate to students the importance of English and maths in the workplace.

Employers ranging from hairdressing to construction organised practical activities at the event at the Roundhouse to highlight how their staff use English and maths in their jobs.

They included Sally Montague Hair Design who have a number of salons in the city and county.

Emmanuelle Montague Sayers explained: “Maths particularly is a vital part of the stylists work from cutting angles to mixing colours.

“We wanted to get the message over that using maths and English does not stop at school or college and the importance of getting good grades in these subjects so that they can progress onto an apprenticeship.”

Rachel Tattershaw, General Manager of Avery’s Derby Heights Care Home in Littleover worked with Health and Social Care and Catering and Hospitality students during the event.

She said: “Reading, writing and maths are very important skills in the care sector as all our residents have care plans detailing everything from weight to medication.”

Bob Godfrey is from the Bell Group, which has recently set up the Bell Group Decorating Academy with the College – giving painting and decorating students work experience.

He said: “Maths comes into every part our work and I hope that today has given the students the impetus to really focus on their studies at the College.”

Gareth Gillenney from Capita Travel and Events in Wyvern Business Park is also working with Travel and Tourism students through the Employer Academy programme.

He added: “Numeracy and literacy skills are vital in this industry – interpreting data, calculating costs of travel and events and communicating at a professional level with clients.”

Derby College’s Head of English and Maths Helen Lillie concluded: “This has been a very successful event and we are grateful for the input from employers.

“Many young people think that they will leave English and maths behind when they start a job or apprenticeship but the message that these skills will be a vital part of their careers for the rest of their working lives has come across loud and clear.”


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