Today Councillors and educationalists from Derby will be in Coventry to see at first hand the excellent work that takes place at the Education Business Partnership.

The visit to the Partnership Centre at Peugeot in Stoke has been arranged by Coventry City Council after a recent research report held it up as a shining example of good practice for the way that it equips young people with the skills they need to cope with the changing world of work.

Derby are particularly keen to hear about the unique ‘Classroom at Work’ project which operates out of five special partnership centres at Peugeot, Rover, Massey Ferguson (AGCO), the Museum of British Road Transport and Cheylesmore Community Centre.

Last year more than 33,000 students benefited from 39,000 half day sessions at the five centres. Led by teachers and company employees the session give students an insight into the world of work, help to promote industrial understanding and extend their knowledge of information technology. They also cover a range of National Curriculum topics up to ‘A’ level standard.

Councillor Kevin Maton, Chair of the Training Policy Team said.

"The Education Business Partnership aims to bring the world of education and business closer together. The partnership has been established for more than seven years and is a shining example of the way that local companies can help equip young people with the skills and attitudes that they need for the world of work. I am sure that the people from Derby will learn a lot from their visit and I hope they will take away some good examples that they can use at their own partnership."

The delegates from Derby, whose EBP is at an early stage of development, will hear about work experience placements for pre and post 16 students, teacher placements and Business Mentoring.