Tyne Metropolitan College Principal Visits Germany to Provide Advice on Economic Development
Jon Vincent, Principal and Chief Executive of TyneMet College, recently visited Germany to share information about the challenges and practices of local networking with SME’s from a College’s perspective. The visit was arranged as part of a European Union funded project which TyneMet College was invited to join. The European Commercial Office (French Business Council Ltd) is the project co-ordinator locally for this project which is funded through the European Social Fund.
The aim of the project is to provide advice and support to employers, education providers and federal officials on the topic of how small and medium sized enterprises (SME’s) can be supported to develop the skills of their employees.
Accompanying Jon on the visit, were Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany for the North East of England, Jo Chexal, who is leading the project, in her capacity as Director, European Commercial Office and Mary Coyle MBE, Leadership & Management Consultant and Chair of the North Tyneside Primary Care Trust, in the role of Consultant on the project.
The visit commenced with a meeting of the Berlin Federal Ministry officials responsible for youth policy during which discussions took place concerning strategies to support the introduction of the recently launched EU Youth Strategy. Thereafter the delegation travelled to the region of Uckermark in the former East Germany to participate in a conference and workshop during which Jon provided a keynote address which highlighted how TyneMet has successfully developed its relationships with local employers to support economic development priorities.
A delegation of federal and regional officials from Uckermark is now planning to visit TyneMet on 23rd April 2012 to study the College’s approaches and successes.
Jon Vincent, Principal and Chief Executive, TyneMet College, said:
“TyneMet College is very excited to be involved in this project. Employer Engagement at the College is growing term by term and we have a proven track record in establishing ourselves as a responsive training provider, with industry specialist teachers and courses that are developed and designed to meet employer needs. We also have an ongoing commitment to meet the demands of specialist employers and encourage further inward investment. Regional employers continue to benefit from the College’s focus on targeted skills and enhanced student learning.
One of the College’s main aims is to develop highly trained workers with qualifications and the skills that employers are looking for, to meet the growing demand for innovative and ambitious employees across the region and beyond. We are looking forward to welcoming the Uckermark delegation back to TyneMet for further discussions and sharing of good practice again next year.”
Jo Chexal, Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany for the North East of England, said:
“The European Commercial Office has experience of running a number of European funded projects with a business and education focus and is delighted to coordinate a project improving dialogue between small companies and young people. An enhanced understanding of the needs of employers, better articulation of these needs and specifically tailored education and training programmes will lead to greater take-up of jobs and improved economic performance in the North East. Germany has a strong manufacturing base and excels in work based learning programmes. This is a great opportunity to test new approaches to a challenging issue."
Mary Coyle MBE, Leadership & Management Consultant and Chair of the North Tyneside Primary Care Trust, who is working as an independent Consultant on the project said:
“This project enables key participants in the North East to examine in detail the challenges faced by young people seeking employment and small businesses searching for employees with relevant skill sets. These challenges are shared by regions of Germany such as the region of NE Brandenburg. Exchanging information and know-how will assist those stakeholders engaged with these issues, which are often more acute in areas of high unemployment. Our colleagues in Germany are particularly interested in the North East of England approach to networking and partnership working.”
