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Energy & Utility Skills have been discussing with electricity companies and the IEE the formation of a Foundation Degree for the utility sector. The response has been favourable particularly from Central Networks and National Grid Transco. We decided to find out some more information about these relatively new qualifications.
They are an intermediate, work-related higher education qualification. They are designed in conjunction with employers to meet skills shortages at the higher technician and associate professional levels. They are offered by universities in partnership with higher education colleges and further education colleges. Flexible study methods make them available to people already in work, unemployed people, or those wanting to embark on a career change. On successful completion foundation degree graduates can revisit their career options, and may choose to progress to further professional qualifications or to an honours degree.
How long is a foundation degree? Depending on the subject of study, a full-time course takes two years. Part-time is often three to four year’s pro-rata - your local higher education provider can give you more information.
What are the entry requirements? There are no set entry requirements. The university or college offering the course will decide if you are eligible. Appropriate commercial and industrial experience may be more relevant than educational qualifications but check with the institution as some courses have specific requirements.
What are the progression routes from a foundation degree? On completion of a foundation degree, there is the opportunity to progress to a full Honours Degree with just a further 12-15 months full-time study, (this can also be done on a part-time basis over a longer period of time). Foundation degree graduates can also progress on to further professional qualifications.
Employer involvement Employers will be involved in the design and review of a programme of study.
Comment Clearly employers are in the driving seat when it comes to Foundation Degrees. It is important that the market demand for such a development is demonstrated at the highest level. Some of the Foundation Degrees developed so far are proving very successful. Work continues on improving our quality and environmental ISO contact courses. The new suite should be available in May along with the capacity to tailor the courses to suit the needs of client companies.
The Internal Auditor Course – upcoming course Before awarding certification, third party assessment bodies look at internal audit programmes to ensure that they have been implemented effectively. Ensuring that your internal auditors are equipped for their role is required by ISO 9001:2000. We offer our clients the opportunity to train their internal auditors in a two-day programme. Participants acquire the skills necessary to:
Companies benefit from regular internal audits because they provide an objective assessment of how well the quality system is performing and identify key areas for improvement, delivering tangible business benefits. Our next course is in London on 26-27 April, and we have a limited number of places still available. The price per delegate is £450 + VAT. Please complete the registration form, or contact Phillippa Greig, Training Coordinator, on 020 7922 1632 or phillippa.greig@afaq-eta.com for more details. Our Business of Power Induction CD course has been updated to reflect improved trading arrangements through BETTA. This course is recommended as induction for all staff not just beginners. The course includes self test questions and a general quiz on how the industry works. Have you ever thought what sort of mark you would get? For more information please contact Tyla Davis on 020 7922 1630 or e-mail tyla.davis@afaq-eta.com
From the 1st January 2005 our parent company AFAQ merged with the French certification company AFNOR. Our new name will be AFAQ AFNOR International. It will be business as normal of course.
We are talking to the University of Strathclyde about accrediting some of the power open learning courses. Watch this space!
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