Member Article

Mixing enterprise and education: behind a new model of learning at Excelsior Academy

Newcastle’s business and enterprise academy school recently launched a fashion diploma to help its students capitalise on the £20 billion UK fashion industry.

Ammar Mirza, a joint founder of the diploma and founder of the ambitious Asian Business Connexions organisation, answered our questions about the diploma and how education has been linked with enterprise.

What skills will the future fashion and beauty operators need?

Individuals can no longer depend exclusively on good looks and the ability to pose to work within the industry. Fashion operators need to have a broad, yet detailed, range of skills that are relevant to the ever-changing world of fashion and beauty.

Alongside your traditional skills like hair & beauty, choreography, catwalk and photography, there is more of a focus now on ensuring those involved in the business have a wider range of skills like marketing, health and fitness, photography, acting and presenting, together with enterprise.

There is no doubt that having a broader understanding of business is going to be very beneficial, hence enterprise featuring highly within the qualification.

What sort of opportunities could students look forward to in the North East?

There is a misconception that there are only a limited number of opportunities outside of the capital and major cities. In reality, the North East offers a whole host of work and training opportunities with the likes of world recognised Tyne Tees Models and a range of media, fashion, retail and beauty organisations all based here.

The course offers a fantastic range of opportunities during study, including working on Miss Newcastle, various beauty and fashion shows and work experience across a number of businesses. As the course is a Level 3 Diploma, students can go onto university or further education. Regardless of whatever area of business, sector or training someone is interested in, there is something for everyone.

How will entrepreneurial skills be introduced in the course?

The course is underpinned through a business unit which takes students through establishing and running their own business. Students are encouraged to explore self-employment and to use real work experience to complement their understanding. Local entrepreneurs and industry experts help deliver the business unit, bringing education to life.

The enterprise and entrepreneurial learning is something that is transferable and of considerable benefit to the students regardless of what they decide to do.

What has been the response to the diploma from industry people?

The response from businesses within the industry is very positive and exciting. Given there has not previously been a recognised standard that covers all major aspects of the industry, businesses can now be assured that students completing the diploma are qualified to a high consistent level. The course is the first of its kind worldwide. Developed and led by industry, the qualification is relevant, unique and delivered in a practical manner.

We anticipate the qualification being adopted by a whole range of organisations as the industry standard.

How are you planning to build on the course?

We intend to develop an entry level and level 2 course. However, and more importantly, the course will offer additional work experience opportunities linking up education to enterprise. Students will gain a portfolio of experience and expertise that is transferable, with all of the training delivered being current and industry specific.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .