Foyle School & Employer Connections (FOSEC) is an initiative set up in November 1999 in direct response to recommendations outlined in Strategy 2010:
"……collaborative clusters of schools, businesses and colleges should be established to deliver education and training outcomes tailored to the needs of the economy".
FOSEC's principal purpose is the development and enhancement of linkages between the world of education and the world of work in the Derry City Council area. We are an employer led organisation and our Board consists of senior business figures from the world of employment and education, working in partnership to deliver quality programmes. We work to enhance student employability and increase the attractiveness of the North West as an investment location.
FOSEC's mission statement is:" to enhance the range and quality of linkages between the world of work and the world of education in the North West region, through the identification, piloting and development of appropriate best practice models and roll out of effective programmes".
Since its inception in 1999, FOSEC has secured enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, leading business figures and the Western Education and Library Board, all of whom believe the initiative is adding value to the local economy. Business/Education cooperation can be recognised as a strong economic development tool as it ensures an available pool of qualified workers, possessing the kinds of skills needed locally. Long-term economic growth is tied directly to the performance of public education.
The evidence is there nationally and internationally that skills shortages are now a major economic impediment. Quality careers guidance and development of employability skills are crucial factors in ensuring our young people are provided with appropriate support and advice to create a winning situation in terms of jobs, careers and choices. Careers advice is given in the Jobs for Me section of this site through individual employee profiles of jobs in this area.
FOSEC has made significant progress already in developing quality partnerships between education and employment through our key Programmes:
• North West (Career) Pathways
• Adopt-a-Class
• Teacher Insight into Industry
• Work Experience
• Jobs for Me website
• Specialist Events/Key Partnerships
We are always reviewing our progrmmes and we constantly evaluate the effectiveness and success of everything we do. This means we ensure the quality of our programmes and can make any neccessary changes as and when they are required.
We acknowledge the support we receive from the local business community, who take seriously their responsibilty to help current students and turn them into more successful employees of the future.
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