Equality of opportunity plays an important role within the Education Development Service in promoting the 14-19 initiative. The LIFT project is transparent and widely available to all students in years 10, 11 and post 16.

Schools and colleges that offer the opportunity and identify learners for vocational education placements need to provide The Education Development Service with a basic background to each learner. This will clearly assist members of the recruitment team to identify appropriate companies that best suit the needs of each and every young person.

Certain vocational areas will require learners to wear appropriate health and safety clothing. The full completion of the LIFT application form will confirm such information. Schools and colleges need to check each application form that is completed by learners prior to it being submitted to The Education Development Service. This will contribute to the smooth running of the recruitment process. The prompt return of the application form also allows the appropriate heath and safety clothing to be ordered and in place for when the young person starts their vocational education placement.  

Parents need to be made aware of the LIFT project by the school and college. Parents will have to complete a consent form which confirms approval of their child pursuing a vocational education placement.

Many employers are keen to meet with the student prior to the official start date. Therefore, arrangements are made by The Education Development Service to introduce the appointed student to the employer. This will involve a member of staff from The Education Development Service collecting the student from school or college and introducing them to the employer. A member of staff from the school or college can accompany them en route should they wish to. In some cases parents may wish to be present during the journey. At the end of the interview the student will be returned to the school or college. Under no circumstances are students to be collected from or returned back to their home address. The school or college will be given precise time scales of the interview by The Education Development Service in order to monitor the welfare of both the student and member of staff.