Stone welcomes JCB Academy students
08 February 2012
Two JCB Academy students undergo work
experience at Stone to put the skills learnt in the classroom to
the test
Stone recently welcomed two students from the JCB Academy
University Technical College (UTC) to put into practice their
curriculum content. Two academy pupils, George Campion and Harry
Price attended the Staffordshire-based IT manufacturer for a two
week period to take part in a varied programme of activities that
would increase their understanding of an IT industry
environment.
The JCB Academy provides students with the option of integrating
their national curriculum requirements with more specialised
technical and vocational elements. In addition to a week's work
placement each year to encourage key engineering and business
skills, pupils are also taught citizenship skills, personal health
and social education and receive guidance on enterprise business
and their future careers. Pupils also take part in a wide range of
activities designed to enable the pursuit and development of
interests outside the main curriculum. These include, but are not
limited to, F1 in Schools, Rocketeering, Air Cadets, Duke of
Edinburgh's Award, Gravity Racing, Young Engineer for Britain and
Additional Science.
Stone has recently celebrated its 20th anniversary of providing
the UK public sector and education market with ICT and audio-visual
solutions and support. This depth of experience and knowledge makes
the ICT solutions provider a key partner which the JCB Academy can
rely upon to assist in shaping pupils' understanding of the
manufacturing market.
During their time at Stone, the George and Harry worked in a
variety of departments including sales, recycling and
manufacturing. They spent time shadowing employees and carrying out
key tasks within those different departments, receiving
demonstrations on the differences between the many products that
Stone offers its customers. This assisted in the students'
understanding of how the business works from the concept,
development, sale, manufacturing and delivery of its products to
customers.
George Campion commented on his time at Stone, "I have
thoroughly enjoyed my time working at Stone. Experiencing their
working environment meant that I could put into practice the skills
I have learnt at JCB Academy. I was provided with the opportunity
to work in a variety of departments and this gave me valuable
insight into the IT manufacturing industry."
James Bird, CEO of Stone Group, comments, "By partnering and
working with the JCB Academy, Stone are investing in the future of
UK manufacturing. It is crucial that the UK provides an alternative
to straight academic studies and equips those in education with
skills that will enable them to rapidly progress and develop in the
manufacturing industry. Work experience is an integral part of the
learning process as it provides a context to classroom-based
studies. We are proud to be a part of this pioneering scheme,
providing local students with the foundations of valuable practical
and business skills."
