Find Foundation Degree - News

Supporting workplace study

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMT

New free development resource for workplace mentors and supervisors .

To assist colleges, universities and employers involved in work-based learning delivery fdf have liaised with the Open University to produce this on-line open resource.

Work-based learning is fundamental to Foundation degrees, and fundamental to the success of students’ work-based learning is the support they receive in the workplace. This resource is aimed at professional staff involved in providing mentoring or educational supervision to colleagues (or others on placement in their organisation), as part of a Foundation degree or other accredited work-based / practice based course of study. Both new and experienced mentors and supervisors will find this flexible resource useful as a contribution to their own learning and development in the workplace.

For more details click here

Government framework acclaims successful Foundation degrees

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Higher Ambitions: The future of universities in a knowledge economy has been published, setting out the Government’s plans for higher education..

The framework focuses on the future development of HE and highlights the Government’s priorities to continue widening access, sustain and improve standards and meet the economy’s needs for high level skills.

A central element of the Government’s proposals is expanding the provision of flexible, work-based and part-time qualifications, such as Foundation degrees.

The Higher Education Funding Council (HEFCE) will also be asked to devise new funding incentives to develop HE programmes that deliver the higher level skills needed.

“The framework gives priority to growing a diverse range of models of higher education most attractive to non-traditional students through part-time and work-based provision aimed at mature students,” explains Professor Derek Longhurst, fdf’s Chief Executive. “In particular, it encourages the further expansion of the successful Foundation degree.

“The report asks HEFCE to devise new funding incentives to develop higher education programmes that deliver the higher level skills needed for economic recovery and future growth. It reiterates the need for universities to rise to the challenge of opening up new revenue streams through working more closely with business and industry.

“It also calls for universities to respond to the needs of students and employers by making provision available throughout the year and for the distinction between part-time and full-time study to become increasingly irrelevant.”

A further significant proposal is to allow funding to be diverted towards those courses that meet strategic skills needs, such as those Foundation degrees being developed for the energy and low carbon industries, and away from institutions delivering courses that fail to meet high standards of quality or outcome.

Higher Ambitions: The future of universities in a knowledge economy can be downloaded from the BIS website at http://www.bis.gov.uk/mandelson-outlines-future-of-higher-education

New degree launched as fdf builds on partnership

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Jewson and Birmingham City University develop industry-leading Foundation degree.

A House of Commons reception hosted by fdf has seen the launch of the first ever Foundation degree in Builders’ Merchanting.

The degree is the result of a partnership between fdf, Jewson, the UK’s leading builders’ merchant, and Birmingham City University. It has been in development for almost two years and was launched with a keynote speech from Ian Lucas MP, Minister for Business and Regulatory Reform.

Jewson also launched a Post Graduate Diploma in Leadership and Strategy to run in tandem with the new Foundation Degree.

Professor Derek Longhurst, Chief Executive of fdf, commented: “In the context of the recession, it is vitally important for large employers like Jewson to demonstrate what can be done through positive developments such as this foundation degree that will benefit both the business and employees.

“The use of fdf’s EBTA (Employer-Based Training Accreditation) service has generated a strong and lasting partnership between an employer providing high quality training opportunities and a University supporting development through accreditation.”

The Jewson Fd is aimed at new and existing Branch Managers and Assistant Branch Managers, who have completed Jewson’s in-house Potential Branch Manager programme, and will be delivered through face-to-face modules, e-learning and web forums. The inaugural intake of 25 students from Jewson and its sister business Graham, a leading plumbers’ merchant, are enrolled to start the Foundation Degree from October 2009.

Peter Hindle MBE, Managing Director of Jewson and Chief Executive of Saint-Gobain Building Distribution UK & Ireland, explained: “The Jewson Foundation degree is an industry first and something that everyone throughout the business is extremely proud of.

"We recognise that investing in our people, particularly in today’s challenging economic climate, is essential if we are to maintain our position as the UK’s leading builders’ merchant and ensure that Jewson emerges from the recession ahead of its competitors.

“The Jewson Foundation degree will also reinforce the crucial role of the builders’ merchant in helping the construction sector deliver a more sustainable built environment. It will further professionalise our involvement with the relevant supply-chains and ensure that our students are well-equipped to play a leading role in the future of the construction industry.”

The partnership with Birmingham City University, one of the largest business schools in the UK, is the first of its kind for the construction sector and will deliver an innovative and entrepreneurial approach to education.

The 14-month course will be supported by a Birmingham City University lecturer and the Jewson training department, culminating in a two day project presentation where students will be required to demonstrate creative thinking that has led to a bottom-line impact on the Jewson business.

The Post Graduate Diploma in Leadership and Strategy begins in January 2010 and will welcome 18 students, aiming to prepare delegates for senior management roles with broader responsibilities.

For more information about Jewson go to www.jewson.co.uk.
Further details about Birmingham City University can be found at www.bcu.ac.uk

Tesco graduates make headlines

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:00:00 GMT

First Retail Management Foundation degree students celebrate success.

Following two years of work-based studying, 17 retail managers have become the first to graduate with the Tesco Retail Foundation degree.

The successful pilot class students were awarded their degrees by Manchester Metropolitan University and The University of The Arts London.

The course, which runs alongside Tesco’s existing A-Level Options programme and its graduate recruitment scheme, combines academic study with workplace learning and equips graduates with the relevant knowledge, understanding, and skills to improve performance and productivity.

Some of these core skills include consumer behaviour, in-store marketing, management of information, retail law and retail leadership.

Tesco’s UK operations personnel director, Hayley Tatum, is delighted with the flexible, innovative approach to training the Fd provides the company.

“Tesco staff can learn while they earn and this has shaped the approach Tesco has taken to the Foundation Degree - you don’t need a string of A-levels or months away from the shop floor,” she added. “The opportunity to study in the workplace is a key element of foundation degrees. I am very proud of what our new graduates have achieved."

fdf facilitated the development of this employer-led retail Foundation degree in partnership with Tesco, University of Arts, London, Manchester Metropolitan University, My Knowledge Map, and advisory partners of Skillsmart Retail Ltd and The Retail Academy Ltd.

The Fd aims to provide a higher education work-based qualification in retailing that will give students transferable knowledge and skills across the retail sector, focusing on retail store management.

fdf works with employers to create opportunities for workforce development through education and training in partnership with institutions providing higher education focused upon business needs.

Memorandum of Understanding with unionlearn

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:00:00 GMT

On November 16th 2007 Professor Derek Longhurst, Chief Executive of fdf, and Liz Smith, Director of unionlearn, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in recognition of fdf’s and unionlearn’s joint commitment to raising the aspirations of working adults and ensuring they are supported to progress to higher education..

The MoU builds on existing joint working where regionally fdf have contributed to the training and up-dating of unionlearn reps and have helped identify higher education opportunities for working adults. Nationally unionlearn have liaised with fdf to help take forward fdf initiatives such as EBTA, a process for accrediting employer-based training, and training in IAG related to Foundation degrees. The MoU will now underpin a jointly agreed work plan to achieve their shared aims and objectives.

For further information about fdf's work with unionlearn contact Susan Hayday, fdf Director for Widening Participation susan.hayday@fdf.ac.uk

EBTA launched at the House of Commons

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:00:00 GMT

The fdf Employer-based Training Accreditation (EBTA) scheme was launched at a Parliamentary reception on 10 March 2008. .

Members of Parliament were joined by senior figures from higher education institutions, business and the public sector.

Retail Foundation degree launched

Thu, 01 May 2008 12:00:00 GMT

fdf launched the first employer-led Foundation degree for the retail industry on 23rd April 2008, building upon the ongoing pilot of the programme by Tesco. .

Members of Parliament were joined by senior figures from major retailers, sector skills councils, higher education institutions and training providers to discuss the wider aims of the retail Foundation degree.

Freshly prepared Foundation degree helps Young''s

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Young''s Seafood Ltd quickly experienced financial returns from using a Foundation degree that the company designed in partnership with Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education to upskill its staff. .

Within the first year of training Young’s had achieved production savings of over £150,000 and reduced breakdowns by 90%.

Young’s is the biggest branded seafood business in the UK, with sales in excess of £250M.

Young’s and its sister business, The Seafood Company (a specialist in own label seafood) - employ around 4,700 people in the UK. Young’s has played a key role in the design and delivery of a Foundation degree in Food Manufacturing Management, a part-time course aimed mainly at people already working in the industry.

Stuart Baker, Factory Engineer at Young’s and a Foundation degree graduate shared some of the real business benefits they experienced from utilising the Foundation degree.

“The Foundation degree has had real tangible effects on Young’s, we doubled volumes in meals using improvement techniques from the Foundation degree course and improved efficiencies of fish finger saws has resulted in a £100,000 saving. We reduced the number of rejects, worth £50,000 and an improved planned maintenance system has reduced breakdowns by 90%.

“This is a qualification that backs up experience. A lot of businesses have good people who have a lot of experience, the Foundation degree gives that added edge and exposure that can sometimes be missed if someone stays with a single business for a long time. It gives you a real sense of achievement.”

The Foundation degree increases participants’ confidence in everything they do and helps the individual to see the bigger picture within the factory environment.

This programme has increased interest amongst the workforce as they become aware of a qualification that has been designed specifically to help them. It is already having a positive impact on retention levels.

Hilary Jack, Training & Development Manager, Young’s Seafood Ltd said: “The content is very relevant to both Young’s and The Seafood Company employees and the opportunity to influence its content has given us a real sense of ownership of the qualification.

“We experienced many other tangible benefits. For example, one of the students improved the effectiveness of the pack-out area, negotiating with a customer for a change in the size of the boxes. It sounds like a simple change, but we hadn’t considered it before.

"Having the knowledge from the Foundation degree he was able to stand back and look at things with a fresh pair of eyes, that’s invaluable.”

Freshly prepared Foundation degree helps Young's

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Young's Seafood Ltd quickly experienced financial returns from using a Foundation degree that the company designed in partnership with Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education to upskill its staff. .

"Having the knowledge from the Foundation degree he was able to stand back and look at things with a fresh pair of eyes, that’s invaluable.”

Freshly prepared Foundation degree helps Young's

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Young’s Seafood Ltd quickly experienced financial returns from using a Foundation degree that the company designed in partnership with Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education to upskill its staff. .

"Having the knowledge from the Foundation degree he was able to stand back and look at things with a fresh pair of eyes, that’s invaluable.”