Excellence in Education through Business Links (EEBL)

Would you like to motivate your students by giving them a better understanding of the links between education and work?
Are there aspects of your knowledge of business that you would like to update?
Would you like to enhance and develop your management and leadership skills whilst working alongside colleagues from business?
Could you benefit from a stimulating way of finding resources for delivering Curriculum for Excellence?

What is Excellence in Education through Business Links (EEBL)?

The EEBL programme is a continuing professional development (CPD) opportunity through which teachers can undertake a short placement in businesses and other organisations. 

Through a carefully structured placement, you can learn first-hand about the skills employers need from future employees. EEBL can also help you to contextualise learning and bring topics to life for the young people you teach. A teacher placement is a great way of making sure young people are developing the skills and attitudes they need to be successful when they move on from school.

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Placement information

EEBL placements are available to all primary and secondary teachers across all areas of the curriculum in mainstream and special schools. Each placement lasts a minimum of two days, but there is no upper limit. It is not necessary to take the days consecutively, but the placement must be completed within a year.

Supply cover and other support is available in many cases.

If you are studying for a Scottish Qualification for Headship, an EEBL co-ordinator in your local authority can help you find a suitable placement which focuses on management and leadership.

The following videos feature teachers who have been on EEBL placements, businesses who have hosted placements and worked closely with schools, and children and young people who have benefitted from their teachers going on placements and the resulting school/business partnership working. Browse through them to learn about the benefits of linking with business.

Organising your EEBL placement

To discuss this opportunity further, please contact your local authority CPD co-coordinator or enterprise development officer.

For more information, read the following documents:

You can also download a copy of the EEBL log book, an easy way to record your experiences during your placement.

Evaluation of the EEBL programme

The Scottish Government, in partnership with SDS/Careers Scotland, commissioned an independent evaluation of the EEBL programme to assess the impact on the teachers concerned, as well as the effectiveness of the processes and relationships with host organisations and local authority partners. This paper will provide you with important background information as well as useful signposts for effective delivery.