tictoc and the Education sector

Our experience in the Education Sector has led us to work with a host of schools, colleges and education bodies throughout the UK, building a vast resource of knowledge and information on how the sector operates and what the target market demands.

educationTo discuss any of the following issues and more, contact Mel

There are a number of hot topics that the Education sector has to be aware of in an ever-changing online environment. The web is the perfect tool for continually tackling these topics. Below are just some of the issues your site should cover which, through our extensive experience, we are able to implement:

Equality, Accessibility and Gender issues

Around half of young people in Scotland participate in Higher Education before they are 21. It is vitally important that post-16 education delivers for women and men equally. We know that FE and HE bodies aim to provide their students with the best education to enable them to make the most of opportunities in life. Many institutions are already recognising and tackling inequalities. We believe that by taking account of the impact of gender on students' choices, attainment and career opportunities, colleges and universities can do even more to remove barriers and to promote equality of opportunity

Source: www.equalityforwardscotland.ac.uk
Download the full document : Gender Equality Document

As the first point of contact for many students (and businesses) it's crucial to ensure your site addresses these issues through clear use of visual language (i.e. avoiding stereotypical photography) and promotes gender equality through opportunities for all.

Engaging with the business community

In an increasingly competitive marketplace where funding is an enormous issue, engaging with your local business community can provide additional opportunities for student placement and further development. Being prepared to work outwith the traditional educational hours of Monday to Friday, 9 - 5 to ensure students in apprentice placements or workshops are supported can build real bonds between the college and the business community.

Providing secure areas on your website where business customers can access crucial information or reports makes communication as open and clear as possible. The ability for business customers to complete student evaluations online can drastically reduce the administrative burden involved in such placements, encouraging both businesses and students to develop a strong ongoing relationship with the end goal of an employable person and a happy customer.

View our approach to the business topic : Tresham Institute Website and Reid Kerr Website

Interesting Link: Train to Gain is a new initiative to engage businesses in investing in the skills development of their workforce. You can use your website to provide extensive information on this subject.
www.traintogain.co.uk

Targeting the NEET (not in education, employment or training)

The NEET group, which is defined as young people aged 16 - 19 not in education, employment or training, has been identified as a particular issue when considering web development. Scotland in particular has the highest proportion of 16 - 19 year olds in the NEET group which is an issue that requires specific consideration within the Employability Framework as its characteristics are distinctive and its impact far reaching.

The impact of NEET is twofold: it stands in the way of individuals and society achieving optimum economic productivity and social inclusion.

Evidence from across the UK provides important insights into the causes of NEET and at a very broad level, three sub-categories are generally recognised:

  • The hardest to help young people - with complex needs which are often clearly defined and which require intensive levels of support
  • An intermediate group of young people - with issues around motivation, confidence and soft skills, and normally requiring more limited support
  • The transition / gap year group - containing young people taking time out before progressing to a clearly defined further or higher education opportunity

Source : Scottish Executive
Download the full document : NEET Document

Your website must be as accessible as possible to all. Providing clear and simple course searches ensures all available opportunities, courses, training skills, personal development and apprenticeships can be quickly found to ensure all those within your target market are included and not alienated by a possible lack of computing skills.

Encouraging Skills For Life

Research estimates that the cost of poor basic literacy, numeracy and language skills to the UK industry is £4.8 billion in lost orders, miscalculated bills and other inefficiencies. This problem affects businesses of all sizes.

Use your website to communicate how the college addresses these issues and the benefits in the long run to both the individual and the wider business community. By engaging with both sides you'll build confidence in your target market that your college is the right place for them.

To discuss these issues and more, contact Mel.

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