Champions of science to develop foundation degrees
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Newcastle, UK – Six individuals with business experience have today been named as ’industry champions’ to help develop a foundation degree framework with the polymer, chemical, petrochemical, nuclear and bioscience sectors. They are to work with their lead higher education institution, as well as collectively as a consortium, to develop a framework is flexible in its delivery and meets the needs of employers.
The universities chosen to deliver Working Higher under the leadership of Hull are:
University of Central Lancashire (Nuclear)
Martin Wells and Alli Hunt
University of Kent (Bioscience)
Brian Szukala
London Metropolitan University (Polymers)
Jeremy Pingstone
Manchester Metropolitan University (Chemicals)
Robert Green
University of Hull (Refining and Petrochemical Engineering)
Gareth James
The project aims to provide a suite of discrete work-based degrees targeted for specific industry sectors. Working closely with industry in both the development and delivery of the science-based qualifications, the ’champions’ are to draw up a number of core common modules, as well as bespoke elements for individual workers, and will be a mixture of university and work-based learning.
Foundation Degrees as crucial to the recruitment, maintenance and development of the workforce, empowering them with the skills required to respond to the many changes and challenges the sector is facing, according to David Smith, head of training at Murco Petroleum Ltd Milford Haven Refinery.
“These new qualifications will be of particular importance for the development of the existing workforce and will be of benefit in attracting new talent to the industry,” said Smith. “The foundation degree will be an alternative to the normal route of Bachelor degrees. Consequently, funding and support to get a coordinated approach across the Cogent footprint is essential.”
