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Research: ETB evaluation of Lecturers into Industry Topic: Skills Date: August 2007 Source: The Engineering and Technology Board Overview: Inspired by the Learning and Skills Development Agency’s (LSDA) success with the Lecturers into Industry scheme in Northern Ireland, the Engineering and Technology Board are piloting a similar scheme for Engineering Lecturers in the UK. Through the project, lecturers in colleges undertake 6 to 12 week placements in cutting edge engineering or technology companies. We have now completed the first tranche of placements and independent evaluators, Freshminds, have submitted their interim evaluation. Summarising its findings Freshminds concluded that the longer-term benefits of the Lecturers into Industry programme were mainly derived through the schemes model of engagement. By providing an opportunity for Employers and Lecturers to develop meaningful and long-term professional relationships, the programme fosters deeper levels of engagement. • Employers have access to a trusted pool of labour. They understand and trust the curriculum and teaching, often because they have had the chance to input directly into it. • Learners develop more relevant skills and can enjoy better access to industry placements. • Lecturers better understand employee needs and can tailor course design and pedagogy to suit. • Colleges gain a widespread benefit of gaining credibility in the industry. We are pleased that the evaluation also indicates that the many of the positive benefits seen in the Northern Ireland are replicable in the UK and that some of these benefits are already evident from the interviews being conducted by Freshminds as part of their evaluation. The ETB findings: We believe that these longer term placements offer specific benefits to the FE sector and the wider economy. Establishing more meaningful, long-term relationships between Employers and Colleges could provide a valuable resource for achieving Train-to-Gain objectives and helping ensure long-term prosperity in an increasingly commercial FE sector. Although all placements for this scheme are now full we are still taking expressions of interest from Lecturers who would like to consider an extended Industry placement. We therefore encourage anyone considering updating their knowledge and skills to register their interest with Maggie Robinson at LSDA. If further placements are made available we will be able to contact you and offer you the opportunity to take part in this new scheme. Further information: A final evaluation report will be available from the ETB in November 2007 To participate in this scheme please contact MRobinson@lsda.org.uk |
Research: Spin Offs Rise as Business-HE Links Flourish Topic: Economics Date: August 2007 Source: Higher Education Funding Council for England Overview: The number of spin-off companies with links to higher education institutions (HEI) is on the rise. According to new figures, growing commercial research and intellectual property income is underscoring higher education's key role in the economy. The sixth Higher Education-Business and Community Interaction (HE-BCI) survey report finds that the quality of these companies is also increasing, with the number of spin off businesses that are three years and older rising from 592 in 2004-05 to 669 in 2005-06. Formal collaborative research between public funders and business is valued at almost £600 million - an increase of 12 per cent from the previous year - with the income from intellectual property and consultancy also rising. Total direct research-related income is now valued at £1.2 billion. The ETB findings: In 2006 the ETB published its report 'SET and the City: Financing Wealth Creation from Science, Engineering and Technology' (click here to download the full report). This report also identified opportunities for the Higher Education Sector to re-visit areas of financial research in UK business schools and universities. In addition, it made recommendations to business and industry, financial institutions and the Government. We therefore welcome that the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) is looking at this area. In a globalised economy, our economic success will depend on our ability to create new knowledge and translate it into innovative goods and services. That is why Britain must be a world leader in scientific research, invest in scientific excellence in our schools, colleges and universities, and create stronger links between businesses and the science base. Further information: Full details on the HFECE research click here Full details on the ETB research click here |
Research: Indicators for Quality in VET Topic: Skills Date: August 2007 Source: European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training Overview: The European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) has published a document providing indicators for measuring quality in vocational education and training (VET). The report notes a general change in policy trends in Europe from an emphasis on input and process factors in VET systems, to a focus on output and outcomes. This is because of the attention being paid to the relationship between these systems and the economy in terms of making the labour force more employable, better matched to skills demand, and in addressing barriers for vulnerable groups in the labour market. The selection of indicators to measure whether VET systems are meeting these objectives is suggested to be a complex process with eight indicators put forward by this report. The two 'overarching indicators' relate to VET providers' use of quality assurance systems and their investment in trainers and teachers. The other indicators include participation/completion/drop-out rates, placement after training completion, use of acquired skills in the workplace and indicators relating to the background of the trainers. The ETB linked activity: Our own experience of VET indicates the importance of many of these indicators, including the use of acquired skills in the workplace and investment in trainers and teachers. A major stand of our activity during 2007 and 2008 will to better support the delivery of VET with the FE sector. To undertake this we are working with the National Forum for Engineering Centers to set up a regional network of tutor support staff. These will be deployed across 11 colleges to support the delivery of tutorial activities for Lecturers to use within the engineering sector. These will be developed with and closely linked to the engineering profession. By undertaking this activity we hope to not only support the teaching and delivery of vocational education but also embed within this the idea of profession recognition within the engineering workforce. Further information: Full details on the CEDEFOP research click here To find out how you can engage the ETB / NFEC regional network of tutor support staff please contact rholdaway@etechb.co.uk |
ETB Skills Conference Delivering Vocational Skills Wednesday 10th October 2007 Victoria Park Plaza, London SW1 Following the success of the 2006 ETB Skills Conference we are pleased to announce that our second national conference will be held on the 10th October, in Central London. The provision of economically valuable skills is one of the greatest challenges facing education providers and industry stakeholders in the science, engineering and technology (SET) sector. If we are to achieve the key Leitch recommendation of world-class skills by 2020, employers and the skills sector must work closely in partnership to equip the workforce with the Level 3-5 SET skills UK plc needs. The announcement in this year’s Budget that science funding will rise to £6.3bn by 2010-11 and the launching of the STEM Programme to improve student support and progression indicate that making Britain the number one location for science and innovation is a key Government priority in maintaining the UK’s global competitiveness. As intermediate skills policy moves into the vital delivery stage, this conference brings together business and education leaders from across the UK to examine the next steps to ensure SET employers have the right skills, in the right place, at the right time. Mapping out the implications of policy developments - including funding streams, specialised diploma development and national skills academies - the conference will showcase effective practice from across the sector and look at how to improve partnership working in the delivery of vocational STEM skills. To find out how to book your place visit: www.etbconference.com |
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