The NE Group has been appointed by the East Midlands Development Agency to undertake delivery of the Regional Development Agency (RDA) contribution to the 14-19 Diploma activities by way of the "Catapulting Kids" contract.

This contract is to work alongside existing delivery infrastructures for work placement programmes on offer through the excellent provisions already provided by the Education Business Partnerships. In effect, the placement activity delivered through Catapulting Kids should assist in the development of a model of excellence for business engagement.

The NE Group has significant experience of employer and SME engagement and an exemplary record of encouraging small businesses to engage in improvement programmes. This is accompanied by an extensive history of working with both businesses and students in creating work placements and full time employment in the East Midlands.

The programme seeks to engage with Diploma Partnerships, identify support needs and source appropriate businesses to engage with and accommodate students going through the Diploma programme. As part of this support, the businesses engaged can have access to;

• General Business Support
• Health & Safety Advice and Action Planning
• CRB Check Financial Support
• Work Placement Preparation
• Placement Liaison and Support

It is hoped that these activities will encourage employers to engage in the new Diploma programme in a positive and systematic way whereby the best outcome can be achieved for both the student and the businesses. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the placement programme will also be available for Teachers delivering the Diploma in order to refresh or update industry knowledge and practice and assist in bringing real-life scenarios into the class room.

   0845 90 14-2-19

   info@catapultingkids.co.uk