University of Derby helping to forge futures
Higher Apprenticeship in Mineral Products Technology is case in point for employer partnerships
THE University of Derby features in a new national report, showing how universities and employers are working together to create a new generation of highly skilled workers.
‘Forging Futures: Building higher level skills through university and employer collaboration’, published by Universities UK and the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES), looks at how employers and universities are working together to build pathways to the highly skilled jobs crucial to the UK’s economic future.
The report showcases the Higher Apprenticeship (HA) in Mineral Products Technology for combining practical skills development with the acquisition of knowledge in a higher education qualification.
The HA is offered through the University’s Centre for Mineral Products Professional Development and prospective students can choose from multiple pathways – Extractives, Asphalt, Cement, Concrete and Clay – depending on which part of the industry they are working in.
The HA has been designed in partnership with industry organizations and leading professional bodies including The Institute of Quarrying, Hanson UK and the Mineral Products Qualification Council.
In October 2012, Hanson recruited six young adults who have followed this new route through a Level 4 QCF diploma towards a Foundation Degree. The next cohort, due to start in October 2014, will include up to 30 new apprentices employed by a range of employers including Lafarge Tarmac, Aggregate Industries, Sibelco and Hanson.
Paul Wilkinson, head of client partnerships at the University, said: ‘Through our partnership we were able to develop a new Higher Apprenticeship route for the mineral products industries in under six months.
‘The success of the pilot cohort with Hanson UK has led to a number of other employers turning to this pathway to bring new young talent on board. This will help address the ageing profile of their workforce by developing supervisors and managers of the future.’
The report also notes that both employers and universities benefit from improved collaboration. The University of Derby, for example, is able to provide relevant and up-to-date courses, diversify its offer and enhance employment prospects for its students.
Professor John Coyne, vice-chancellor of the University of Derby and UKCES Commissioner, added: ‘There is no one-size-fits-all solution for people to gain the skills they need. Work-based courses are an alternative way for young people and experienced workers to gain high-level skills, and from the report it is clear there is a lot of great work taking place.
‘A quiet revolution is happening in UK universities, but we need more of these university-employer partnerships – and more awareness of work-based routes – so it is a cultural norm to see them as alternatives to the traditional degree.’
For more information about the Higher Apprenticeships offered by the University of Derby, visit: http://www.derby.ac.uk/corporate/sectors/minerals/higher-apprenticeships/
For general information about the Centre for Mineral Products Professional Development, visit: http://www.derby.ac.uk/minerals
