Industry News
Military 'to help out with school lessons'
Posted on 4th June 2007
The armed forces are set to cooperate with primary schools as part of a scheme to offer pupils new practical skills they are unlikely to acquire from normal classes, according to a recent report.
Entitled Skill Force, the scheme will enable pupils to work towards vocational skills and Duke of Edinburgh awards, with younger children learning about teamwork, the Scotsman reports.
Scotland team leader for Skill Force, Andy Bruce, remarked: "For the younger ones it is more about playing games and problem-solving as part of an integration with other youngsters who they will have to get to know."
He added that the scheme can be tailored to pupils of different abilities and ages, with the focus on employment for older students.
Mr Bruce concluded by saying that the project has been "particularly well-received" in other parts of the country.
UK defence minister Des Browne, who launched the scheme, said that the life skills taught by trusted ex-servicemen could prove invaluable.
Many private schools offer pupils a cadet scheme with the armed forces, designed to enhance practical skills before adulthood.