NCFE Music Technology helps hook young
We're delighted to announce that our music technology qualifications have played a vital part in a groundbreaking project which has been held up by European officials as an international example of good practice.
The project uses music technology to work with young people in danger of missing out on education, employment or training.
Jan Olsson, a member of the European Economic and Social Committee, visited the Makin Trax project at the Grace Academy in Darlaston, Walsall, to see first-hand how the project engages young people through the use of music technology.
The Makin Trax project is delivered by Walsall College in ten schools across Walsall, Dudley and Sandwell. Funded by the Learning and Skills Council's and West Midlands Leaders Board's regional European Social Fund, the project uses two purpose-fitted buses, full of high-tech musical equipment, to motivate and inspire up to 200 young people aged 14-15.
Learners who take part in the project work towards an NCFE Music Technology Certificate at Level 1 or Level 2, which is equivalent to two GCSEs at Grade B.
Connor Boden, aged 14, said: "The project gives us a chance to make our own tracks and it's a lot of fun. I thought it would be hard to do at first, but it's easy to use once you get used to it. I would definitely consider doing something like this in the future."
Mr Olsson's tour also took him to GKN Driveline in Erdington, Birmingham, to
see the Better West Midlands project which supports thousands of workers in the
region facing redundancy.
If you'd like to find out more about NCFE's music technology qualifications, give Catherine Mastaglio, Arts Media and Publishing Sector Leader, a call on 0191 239 8084 or email catherinemastaglio@ncfe.org.uk