However the advent of the new 14-19 Diploma courses, which are being introduced into schools in September 2008, has changed all this. This is because a significant element in all Diplomas is the close link that is established between the schools and firms in the relevant industry.
The problem is that there are numerous industries which have their own very specific software which is generally not found in the school. One business area in which this problem is particularly significant is the creative and media arena - an area of work which by its very nature has always been highly attractive to school students as an area of potential employment
In businesses involving music, video editing, graphic design, print, games development and photography (to give but a few examples) the student who is experienced at handling industry standard software has always had a significant advantage when applying for a job. Now, with the diploma courses being taught for the first time, the student who has no experience of industry standard software is going to find it very hard to get up to speed fast enough to be able to make much out of the industry placements and work experience.
But that's not all. The problem is not just that the schools don't have the same software that industry uses. It is also the fact that teachers have little or no experience of using the software that the students will come across in the work environment.
To help resolve this very urgent problem Jigsaw has launched a web portal which contains a significant amount of information on the programs used in various businesses and industries - which can be seen at on the website.
The company is also offering a series of packages in which they not only provide up to date industry software, they also provide full training and support for the teachers using these programs for the first time.
For more information on Jigsaws products and services, please contact:
Tel: 0870 7306936
http://www.jigsaweducation.com/
