Two Big Conversations

The three main political parties are currently putting together their manifestos for the next general election. This means now is the time for everyone to voice their opinions on practical and vocational learning, and how it can prepare young people for successful futures. Since Edge called on the public to share their written and video messages for MPs through our website last week, I’ve been following the comments, from a wide range of people, with great interest. It’s crucial we don’t delay in ensuring the message is heard by those who matter in politics. Edge is dedicated to making that happen, but we can’t do it without input from you. To add your voice to the call for a revolution in education visit the Edge website to write a message, upload a video response or debate on the Edge forum.

I’ve been to plenty of big corporate events over the years announcing some new education-related initiative or other and all too many end up as a ‘launch, lunch and logo’. But Edge’s involvement in, and support for, the Big Conversation on ‘Turning Work Experience into Work Inspiration’ has been a great pleasure. If you are associated in any way with work experience, you should take a look.
I think this initiative has a real chance of leading to some positive action. Why do I say that? Because it is a ‘business to business’ campaign; it is asking employers to improve on what they do, not asking them to sort out education; because the underlying philosophy is about establishing a more effective marketplace rather than telling people from the centre what is best; because it is simple and focused; and because a wide range of organisations have come together, worked as a team and respected each other. Well done everyone and well done BITC.

The result was a terrific event in old Spitalfields market in London on Tuesday involving, more than 100 young people in discussions with over 100 corporate CEOs and chairmen. The highlight for me was, of course, the young people from the Edge Learner Forum who compered the whole day and facilitated many of the tables – brilliant job team, you do us proud!