Oracle Academy in Scotland Awarded Big Tick for Inspiring Youth Programme

Oracle Scotland has been recognised with a coveted 'Big Tick' in the Business in the Community Awards for Excellence for its local delivery of the global Oracle Academy programme - an innovative educational programme. Oracle Scotland received a 'Big Tick' in the Merrill Lynch Raising Achievement in Young People category.

The Business in the Community Awards recognise companies that are able to demonstrate a high standard of excellence in integrating responsible business practice into their mainstream operations.

The Oracle Academy was established in Scotland in 2002 and is recognised by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) as part of Scottish mainstream curriculum for schools and colleges developed under the Digital Media and ICT Vendor Alliance (DIVA) project. The programme prepares students for IT careers and provides teachers with world-class training and professional development opportunities..

Joe Wilson, Business Manager at the SQA comments: 'The SQA and Scottish schools and colleges involved have been delighted with the resources supplied by Oracle and their ability to support both the Higher Information Systems curriculum and Higher National Curriculum which form the backbone of school and college provision in Scotland. The partnership is a shining example of industry and education working together to ensure qualifications and training are fit for purpose.'

Each year an increasing number of educational establishments in Scotland are integrating Oracle Academy into their syllabus. The curriculum, training and online lessons offered through the program have an in-kind grant value of £173,000 per teacher per class. From an initial 5 schools and colleges in 2002, Oracle supported 22 schools in 2006 with an in-kind grant to the value of £1,875,000.

Jane Richardson, senior regional development manager at Oracle Scotland, comments: 'We are thrilled that the Oracle Academy programme in Scotland has been recognised at the Business in the Community Awards. We feel that Scottish businesses have a responsibility to ensure young people are equipped with the right skills for the future. Our mission is to effectively link qualifications to the workplace and provide globally recognised, industry-supported qualifications for Scottish students. By focusing on relevant IT and business skills that are in short supply, we believe the future workforce will be better equipped to compete in the global marketplace.'

Professor John Roulston, Chair of the IET, Engineering Policy Group for Scotland, congratulated Oracle on its achievement: 'Oracle Academy brings real benefit to Scottish technical education and offers long-term rewards in an increasingly competitive global economy.'

The skills gap in Scotland is well documented and Oracle places a strong emphasis on corporate citizenship and the integral role that business organisations can play in developing the skills of young people and helping to ensure the future economic growth of Scotland. Oracle is involved in a number of projects in Scotland including 'Maths Camp' weekend mathematics conferences for senior pupils, as well as a variety of sponsorship and mentoring initiatives.

The company was presented their award by HRH Prince of Wales at a gala dinner at Prestonfield House Hotel on 31 May.