Kingston University’s customised degrees meet UK marine business needs
Kingston University (KU) has a strong track record of working closely with business to ensure that the learning opportunities it provides are valuable to employers and students. To this end, they are always on the lookout for new ways to contribute to the success of businesses.
Kingston has been encouraged by the Government to build on existing strengths to develop a new kind of work-based learning Foundation Degree (Fd). This will enable company employees to carry out a programme of study based on subjects and projects closely relevant to individual business’s needs. Learners will not have to attend traditional classes, but will participate in an online learning community with other work-based learners.
The aim is to ensure that the programme provides real practical benefit to the employer and employee, as well as providing the work-based learner with an opportunity to gain a qualification.
KU is already a leading provider of Fds, across a broad range of vocational subjects. For example, it provides over 80% of the UK requirement for Aircraft Maintenance Technicians, and is a significant provider of work-based learning at both the undergraduate and post graduate level.
The University sees this new departure as building on it's strengths to provide wider opportunities for vocational learners and their employers. 'Learners will be able to study in a way that's flexible in terms of time and place, and will be able work on topics of relevance to them. We aim to break down many of the barriers that prevent employees and employers benefiting from Higher Education,' said the Project Director, Cate Thomas.
The programme is initially focusing this programme on Small and Medium sized Manufacturing Enterprises in London and the South East. Both the National Skill Academy for Manufacturing and the Manufacturing Advisory Service are advising the University on general business requirements.
In addition to this, Kingston realises that this programme will only be successful if it meets the specific needs of real companies and has been getting valuable input from individual businesses. If you would like to contribute to this discussion and determine if such a course could help meet the skills needs of your business please contact j.carr@kingston.ac.uk.
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