Find Foundation Degree - News

QAA study praises Foundation Degrees

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Report highlights positive impact on employer engagement.

Foundation degrees represent a pioneering and flexible qualification with a high level of support from employers, according to a new study by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

The information bulletin highlights significant areas of good practice, including productive employer engagement based on a close working relationship between employers and providers in the development of programmes.

The QAA also praises the innovative and high quality design of assessment and flexibility in its use. The survey reports nearly 50 cases of good practice in developing employer partnerships and work-based learning.

“QAA’s assessment of Foundation Degree provision through its IQER processes provides important evidence that the qualification has achieved credibility with employers on a national scale,” commented Professor Derek Longhurst, fdf’s chief executive.

“As with any other form of higher education there will be areas for improvement in some programmes but it is particularly pleasing that QAA has provided evidence that the qualification has initiated greater dialogue between institutions and employers, as well as creating the basis for more strategic partnerships between colleges and universities.

“This is a balanced assessment that should be noted by policy makers.”

Other areas of good practice singled out by the QAA include:

effective assessment practice includes constructive, timely, detailed and high quality formative feedback both in writing and verbally
the valuable opportunities for student support from tutors
the comprehensive pre-course study skills programmes for students
specialist support for students with specific learning disabilities and/or difficulties.
Information
clear and explicit information provided for students, workplace mentors, placement supervisors and employers about work-based learning - includes details of the assessment process and the assignment briefs.

In 2009-10, there are 99,475 students enrolled on Foundation Degree programmes (HEFCE 10/12), the ninth consecutive year on year growth for student enrolments.

Record applications to BT scheme highlights success of Foundation Degree

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Company recieves 24,000 applications for 221 places on apprenticeship scsheme.

British Telecom is considering expanding its apprenticeship scheme after receiving more than 100 applications for each available place.

The Apprenticeship programme offers a starting salary of between £11,000 and £14,000 a year. Successful applicants go on to specialise in IT, telecoms, electrical systems or customer service, gaining qualifications including Foundation degrees.

BT is a key member of the the National ICT Consortium, which has developed a work-based Foundation degree designed by employers, for employers.

The Foundation degree provides wide-ranging benefits to employers and their staff. Key features of the Foundation degree include its:

availability throughout the UK
a nationally recognised qualification awarded by a university
offering of further development opportunities for employees who have completed an apprenticeship
offer to link employers' in-house training to a national standard
availability for individuals taking stand alone for shorter 'bite sized learning' and CPD.

Increased numbers of applicants get set for university news

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:00:00 GMT

UCAS urges students to be flexible and consider all their options.

As the 2010 A-Level results are published UCAS figures show there are 660,953 applicants to start full-time undergraduate courses this autumn, an increase of around 11%.

UCAS has now processed all A Level results and a record 379,411 applicants were accepted into university or college, compared to 371,016 on results day last year.

Students are being urged to take their time to consider all the options available to them and ensure any offers they receive are right for them.

“Our advice is to take the time over the next couple of days to fully understand the terms of any offers,” explained Mary Curnock Cook, UCAS Chief Executive.

“Be flexible and realistic, and take the time to look at all the options available to you if you don’t get the result you’re hoping for: reapplying, Clearing, part time study, apprenticeships or using a bridging year to enhance your application in the next cycle. That way you are less likely to feel pressured into making rushed decisions on results day.”

Clearing for applicants has now begun and vacancies are advertised on ucas.com and in The Independent for students to apply.

Expert advisers from UCAS will be on hand to answer questions on 0871 468 0 468 on results day or via digital channels at www.ucas.com/contact.

Improving skills in the power industry

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:00:00 GMT

fdf supports the development of a national Foundation Degree framework .

Research has shown that there is a critical need to attract and retain significant numbers of new people into the power industry workforce.

Over the next 15 years the industry will see 80% of its workforce retiring or leaving, highlighting the need to develop higher level qualifications for the power industry to provide relevant and joined up career progression and formal qualifications for the workforce.

To provide a solution to this challenge, power companies have been working in collaboration under the guidance of Energy & Utility Skills (EU Skills) and with the additional support and funding from fdf to develop a Foundation degree framework for the electrical power engineering sector.

The framework is a blueprint or template for those new to Foundation degrees providing clear standards and guidance that will enable providers to respond quickly to employers needs.

A new video presentation by the National Skills Academy for Power and featuring Professor Professor Derek Longhurst, Chief Executive of fdf, shows one of the key benefits of Foundation degrees is that they are developed with employers to meet their workforce development needs.

A common framework has been shaped and agreed through industry consultation at both strategic and operational level. This has been co-ordinated through the National Skills Academy for Power in their new capacity of championing standard qualifications and ensuring that delivery capacity is developed to meet the needs of the sector.

“The Foundation Degree Framework for Power Engineering is a tangible output from our Sector Skills Strategy and represents a great step forward for the industry in developing a more consistent approach to higher level qualifications,” explained Dave Newborough, Chair of the National Skills Academy for Power Shadow Board and Head of HR, Energy Services/ Head of Employee Relations, E.ON UK.

“We now have a common standard that can be used by consortia of employers and providers to develop specific programmes to meet their needs and that ultimately will provide a progression route for existing technicians.”

The framework builds upon previous work that was undertaken by the industry and will sit within the broader qualifications strategy for the power industry facilitating progression from advanced Apprenticeship through to full degree level qualifications.

More information on the work of NSAP can be found at www.power.nsacademy.co.uk

Soldier named Foundation Degree Student of the Year

Fri, 21 May 2010 12:00:00 GMT

fdf-sponsored category formed part of the National Adult Learners Week Awards.

Soldier Herbert Goredema has been named fdf-sponsored Foundation Degree Student of the Year.

The category forms part of the National Adult Learners' Week Awards in London and Corporal Goredema was recognised for dedication to his studies while serving in the armed forces.

Corp Goredema was the lowest-ranking soldier on the Foundation degree course but ended up the highest achiever. The 34-year-old beat officers in the Army, RAF and Navy when studying hospitality and food service management.

The self-confessed technophobe is stationed in Kenya and studied using Westminster Kingsway College's virtual learning environment.

"The Foundation degree course at Westminster Kingsway College was advertised in a CPD Newsletter so I applied and I was lucky enough to be accepted," he explained. "I wanted to study something that was in my chosen field. When I first started the course, it took a lot of self control as the demands on your time are very great.

"I am really pleased that I was able to stay with the course and am nearing my goals. Without the encouragement, help and support from my lecturers, I wouldn't have been able to manage the course. My enquiries by telephone, email and messenger were promptly responded to by my tutors. I also got lots of support from my fellow learners who have been absolutely brilliant."

He only had 30 minutes of internet access a day, so Herbert had permission to sit a two-hour finance exam online - only to have the system crash halfway through.

Herbert was praised by Clare Mannall, his nominator and college team leader, for using his IT skills in challenging circumstances.

"Undeterred, Herbie came back the next day and completed the exam and got excellent marks too,” she said. "He beat all his colleagues in terms of grades and showed them you can study full-time and work full-time without getting behind."

Corp Goredema is now used by the Army to encourage other junior ranks to sign up for degree studies. He now hopes to do a Masters Degree.

He was presented with the Foundation Degree Forward Award by Susan Hayday, fdf’s Director of Workplace Learning Strategy, at a ceremony at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in Westminster, London.

Further information on Adult Learners Week and other award winners can be found at www.alw.org.uk

Workshops for Local Authority training managers

Fri, 14 May 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Events will provide answers to key training and development questions.

fdf is organising four half-day workshops around the country to help Local Authority training managers identify workforce development opportunities.

The workshops will help provide answers to key questions facing the local government sector. Each event will be led by a skills expert from the IDeA and PPMA, so delegates will gain valuable up to date information on current issues and new ways of working.

fdf has a track record of working with organisations locally and regionally to assist them with workforce development and skills at higher levels.

It facilitates partnerships with local universities to award HE accreditation for existing in-house training, and advises on regional Foundation degree frameworks designed to share the costs and the benefits of training the future workforce.

The workshops will find solutions to the following questions:

What do you need to do differently to deliver Value?
How will you ensure Quality that is also cost-effective?
Does your workforce have the right Skills?
Are there Solutions to achieve your agenda?

"We will discuss actual case studies to identify what lessons can be learned, identify skills gaps and share good practice," explains Dr Sue Tatum, fdf's Director of Employer Partnerships (Public Sector).

"You are encouraged to bring and share your own issues regarding skills needs for open discussion.

"You will leave with an action plan for sharing higher level training and up-skilling your workforce in a way that will have a cost-effective impact on your organisation."

The workshops will take place on:

June 22 - Birmingham
July 2 - London
July 9 - Bristol
July 19 - Leeds.

Further informationon the workshops is available on the Events page of the fdf website.

To register for your free place please contact Simon Tudor at fdf: s.j.tudor@fdf.ac.uk; tel: 01543 308613.

Skills audit provides a wealth of opportunity

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:00:00 GMT

First ever national survey highlights current and future skills needs.

The National Strategic Skills Audit sets out current trends and what skills will be needed in the coming years.

The audit, carried out by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, will help the government and employers plan for growth and ensuring individuals have the right skills to support businesses.

It also identifies sectors, occupations and skills that require particular focus in a changing economy and labour market.

In response the UKCES audit, the government has launched key programmes to ensure the UK economy is supplied with the skills needed to fuel the growth of key new industries in the coming years. These include new National Skills Academies will be developed to cover five new sectors – rail engineering; logistics; green building services; biotechnology and composites – funded by £12m of public investment matched by the private sector.

The Department for Business Innovation and Skills also launched a £50m Joint Investment Programme, matching employer investment pound for pound in priority sectors.

The priority now is to start filling many of the skills gaps identified in the audit and fdf (Foundation Degree Forward) is already working with key strategic partners on a range of innovative programmes.

“The UKCES Skills Strategy report provides an important evidence base for the higher education sector,” explained Professor Derek Longhurst, chief executive of fdf.

“While there will be demand for skills development at all levels, there is a strong need to ensure joined-up progression pathways."

The proportion of employers reporting skills gaps is highest in the following sectors:

electricity, gas and water (30% of employers with skills gaps)
hotels and catering (26% of employers with skills gaps)
education (25% of employers with skills gaps)
public administration and defence (23% of employers with skills gaps)
health and social work (23% of employers with skills gaps).
These skills gaps are caused by a variety of reasons, such as a lack of experience/staff recently recruited (71% of skills gaps), or high staff turnover (13%) and a failure to train and develop staff (25%).

A majority of the employers questioned (69%) expected that at least some of their staff would need to acquire new skills or knowledge over the next 12 months. This is much higher than the 19% of employers who identified current skills gaps among their staff. Most employers reported that the recession has had no impact on the amount or type of training they provide, the type of provider used or the amount of training that leads to a nationally recognised qualification.

“'fdf has developed its strategy to meet the needs of adult employees through linking accreditation of work-based learning, through our EBTA service, to appropriately-designed and flexible higher education opportunities that can be accessed through the workplace,” added Prof Longhurst.

The audit concludes by identifying high priority skills needs for immediate action and these includes areas where fdf is already actively involved in improving the provision of high level skills training.

These include specific management and leadership skills in retail, business services, ICT and media organisations, financial and professional services, health and social care, education, public administration and hospitality.

The UKCES skills audit reports can be downloaded at www.ukces.org.uk The BIS response to the audit can be found at http://www.bis.gov.uk/skillsaudit

Foundation degrees offer ''vision for the future''

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Former Education Secretary says important lessons must be learned from success of Fds.

The continuing growth of Foundation degrees provides a vision for the future that the higher education community should not ignore.

Estelle Morris, writing in The Guardian, claims that those offering traditional degrees could learn a lot from the diverse entry routes and patterns of provision offered by Fds.

“These degrees have called for new ways of working between higher and further education, and between academia, business and industry,” says the former Education Secretary, now Baroness Morris of Yardley.

“Employers and students are in the driving seat of course design, and strong links between universities and colleges mean it is easy for students to complete an honours degree.”

Baroness Morris acknowledges that the Fd has suffered criticism in the past as it does not sit easy with more traditional university perceptions.

“These degrees came on the scene at a time of growing budgets and the expansion of the post-18 sector,” she adds. “They reflected the 50% higher education participation target and were a response to the comparatively low adult skill level.

“Yet their success may have lessons in these different times. The economy and the country still need more people skilled to a higher level and recession doesn't diminish the argument that social progress can be a consequence of more people having the chance to benefit from a degree-level education.

“The temptation is always to do less when money is scarce, but Lord Mandelson makes a good case for doing things differently. His call for...greater flexibility and a sector that has the ability to respond better to the demands of its students is worth heeding – and subject courses may learn something from their vocational neighbours.

“It isn't just the financial crisis that means we need to rethink, but the consequences for people's lives and the changing demands of employers. It calls for diverse entry routes and patterns of provision across higher education.

“Foundation degrees will never be at the top of the academic tree, but their record of innovation might be a lesson from which others could learn.”

Successful Fd embraced by travel industry

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMT

First graduates congratulated at House of Commons reception.

The first graduates from the Foundation degree in Travel Operations Management have been congratulated on their achievement at a House of Commons reception hosted by fdf (Foundation Degree Forward).

The graduates, employees of travel company TUI, have pioneered the FdTOM and the innovative qualification is now being rolled out across the industry.

Kevin Brennan, Minister for Apprenticeships, Further Education and Consumer Affairs at the Department for Business Innovation & Skills, paid tribute to the graduates and said the Fd programme was a prime example of a successful employer-led, high level qualification.

Foundation degrees are a central feature of the government’s new framework for Higher Education and the Skills Strategy unveiled by BIS last year.

Professor Derek Longhurst, chief executive of fdf, said the FdTOM is an example of the innovative ways employers can work with HE providers to create high level training provision.

The flexibility of the qualification proves particularly attractive to employers and he added:

“It is essential that we continue to develop creative models of the qualification that are rooted in partnership and collaborative dialogue between academic institutions, employers like TUI and employees such as these graduates. This will ensure the Foundation degree is widely perceived as meeting real social and economic need.

“Facilitating that dialogue and challenging attitudes is what fdf is all about. We see partnership with companies like TUI, leading their sector in developing and investing in their people, as an alliance that can deliver both business benefit and create opportunities for personal and professional development that would not otherwise exist.

“We all know that we will face difficult and challenging times in the next few years. This kind of innovative approach is one strong response to those challenges.”

Dermot Blastland, MD of TUI UK and Ireland, paid tribute to the efforts of all those who developed the initial FdTOM programme and the first graduates.

He said he was proud that TUI was blazing a trail for the rest of the industry:

“This programme is very important for our organisation, but also significant for the individuals involved. I am hoping this success percolates throughout the organisation and the industry as a whole.

“I am certainly a great supporter of this Foundation degree programme. As a company we are fully committed to its on-going development and hopefully others will begin to share in its success.”

Twenty graduates attended the reception and were joined by representatives from a variety of universities and colleges involved in the FdTOM programme, along with other employers and organisations backing the qualification.

Brian Wisdom, chief executive of People 1^st, the sector skills council for hospitality, leisure and tourism, highlighted the significance that the majority of the first graduates are women. He said:

“Although 60% of the workforce in our industry is women, only 6% occupy board level positions. We need this to change and who knows we may see some of the next generation of female directors amongst the first graduates from this Foundation degree.

“TUI has been in the vanguard of professional training within our industry, it has long recognised that such qualifications add real value to their business. There is now an opportunity for others in the industry to support this qualification.”

Share your experience of assessing work-based learning in Foundation degrees

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:00:00 GMT

Do you have experience of assessment practice that is particularly effective or innovative?.

fdf has commissioned the Student Assessment and Classification Working Group (SACWG) to produce a Guide to good practice in the assessment of work-based learning in Foundation degrees during 2010.

The Guide will include a series of examples of effective, different or innovative assessment that have been or are being used in this aspect of assessment of Foundation degree students. We are therefore interested in specific examples of assessment practice rather than assessment strategies and policies concerning how work-based learning is or should be assessed.

If you have an example of assessment practice that you would be willing to share with colleagues please complete the brief survey at http://tinyurl.com/FDF-WBL-survey. Every example that is included in the Guide will be formally acknowledged with the name of the institution, the title of the Foundation degree concerned and the name of the contact.