Specialist Development Groups
Update on the Specialist Development Groups (SDGs) -
Summer term
2005. .
The summer term events provided CoVEs with the opportunity to take part in the LSC consultation on the future format and structure of the SDGs. Overlap between some CoVE sectors led to two additional cross sector events, one for ICT, Creative Industries and Business, Management and Finance CoVEs and one for Catering, Travel and Tourism and Food Technology CoVEs.
Sector Skills Councils (SSCs), LSC and other stakeholders have continued to support the SDGs providing updates on sector developments and where relevant Sector Skills Agreements (SSAs).
Cross sector SDG meetings
ICT, Creative Industries and Business, Management and Finance
The overlap between the sectors is emphasised by the work of the SSCs who identify the need for business skills within the workforce for ICT and Media.
e-skills UK (SSC) provided an outline of the Sector Skills Agreement and their work with schools and developing qualifications.
Skillset (SSC) provided an overview of their work and the issues of overlap. They outlined the key headlines from their SSA and emphasised the role CoVEs can play in taking this forward.
This was followed by group work discussing potential collaboration and similarities which led to some key messages:
- The need to provide a central focus for business enquiries, especially to help SMEs.
- The need to be flexible with delivery models and content to meet business needs.
- The need for providers to be more flexible in curriculum management in relation to overlap between media and IT.
- CoVEs would be willing to collaborate but further consideration would be needed on how to progress this. It was suggested that joint bids could be one way forward.
Catering and Hospitality, Food Technology and Travel and Tourism
This was attended by a number of CoVEs from each of the sectors and People1st (SSC) who cover two of the sectors. Improve were unable to attend and sent apologies.
People1st (SSC) gave an update on their progress with the Sector Skills Agreement and hope to have their skills needs assessment completed by the end of September 2005. They outlined the importance of the labour market information in determining outcomes and the importance of employer involvement in producing the final Sector Skills Agreement.
They went on to discuss the Skills Academies, links with CoVEs and how they see them developing.
In mixed groups the CoVEs identified areas of commonality which included: employer engagement, curriculum, partnership working and regional issues. They also produced a list of common differences such as: support from regional bodies, levels of support from industry between the sectors and links with schools which is more developed in some sectors.
The meeting led to discussions around ways of tackling problems and CoVEs arranging further meetings to take forward some of the issues discussed.
Business and Management
LLUK the Sector Skills Council for Life Long Learning gave an update on their progress, coverage of the sector and the standards for teaching staff.
Workshops facilitated by CoVEs enabled the sharing of work around key topics such as:
- Dissemination, Babbington College ran a workshop that they had focused on at a dissemination event held by Staffordshire LSC on diversity.
- Development of short courses, New College Worcester talked through developing short courses and the impact of the ‘Swapping’ of materials and short courses for all the staff involved.
- The brokerage sub-group reviewed the notion that ‘Skills Brokerage’ will become a key device for engagement with businesses. Following discussions the group felt that it would be valuable if all CoVEs could investigate progress towards development of brokerage in all regions. A set of suggested questions was circulated to all CoVEs and Tony Martin from Strode College has collated the responses. For further details contact Strode College.
- Accountancy Plus shared a DVD they have designed to publicise careers / apprenticeships in Accountancy. If you would like to see a copy / or adapt the copy produced to suit your own needs then contact Accountancy Plus.
Creative Industries
Skillset (SSC) presented a consultation paper on photo imaging qualifications and industry links. CoVEs with relevant experience in photo imaging who would like to be more involved with Skillset and their employer groups were asked to get in touch with Pippa Walkley at pippaw@skillset.org
An update on the Common Inspection Framework provided an insight into the changes which include: a new judgement of overall effectiveness, five and not seven key questions, child protection issues for 14-18 and contributory judgement of capacity to improve influenced by judgements on quality assurance and management.
Each of the sub-groups gave updates:
- Media Grimsby College’s Digital and Interactive Media CoVE provided an update on the development of the satellite channel for screening student and new entrant work. The Channel, funded initially through the RDA, will enable colleges to screen student productions subject to meeting the compliance requirements. All colleges and Universities have been asked to submit eligible productions.
- Design Developments with the FE Fashion Consortium were examined. The London College of Fashion explained arrangements for this year’s fashion show, outlined developments with the collaborative Catwalk Showcase and the celebration of industry-linked projects with CoVEs and other FE colleges. Amersham and Wycombe and Newham College delegates discussed how positive the mentoring support they have received from the London College of Fashion has been during the last academic year.
- Print This group continues to meet regularly outside of SDG meetings and energies have been focused around attempting to make changes around standards and building relationships with awarding bodies.
- Performing Arts The CoVEs are working together on a competition for learners via a virtual stage. Knowsley Community College is leading with a focus on music technology and performance.
Childcare
Bridgwater College updated the CoVEs on the progress of the DfES Standards Unit teaching and learning materials for Health and Care. Pilot materials and the DVD were available for CoVEs to review.
The sector lead at LSC national office updated the group on initiatives being undertaken by the National LSC which include a number of task groups reviewing: apprenticeships, assessors, investment strategy, Children’s Workforce Strategy consultation and 0 – 16 curriculum. For the 0-16 curriculum awarding bodies are concerned about the extent and level of knowledge required in relation to child development for the new CCLD standards, CoVEs were asked for feedback on the impact of this.
This was followed by a discussion around the role of CoVEs in developing a strategic voice and increasing their profile.
Each of the CoVEs provided an update of developments since the last meeting which included: working on the apprenticeship review task force, completion of the paper free portfolio pilots, sharing of good practice between CoVEs, development of foundation degrees and working with the DfES Standards Unit. Further examples can be found in the good practice section.
Construction
Mid Kent College CoVE went through a presentation they had delivered to employers from the Institute of Plumbing, highlighting the range of qualifications available and the partnership needed between employers and providers to ensure success. This led to a number of questions for the SSC around why there was so much assessment involved in the apprenticeship programmes.
New College Nottingham CoVE gave a demonstration of some animated learning materials being developed within the CoVE. The range of samples covered electrical, plumbing and gas activities. When the development is complete all Building Services CoVEs will receive a CD with these on.
Clarkson Evans CoVE shared their investment strategy for ICT since achieving CoVE status. They went through their ICT ethos of only entering information once and identified the hardware and software they had invested in along with an analysis of success. This led to a demonstration of Q.Wizdom an interactive teaching package.
Wiltshire College CoVE gave a presentation on the development of their interactive house, which had been developed within the CoVE to provide interactive activities relating to plumbing. This led to discussions around further applications / additions. Once the level 1 plumbing application is ready it will be provided to all Construction Crafts and Building Services CoVEs free, but investment would be needed for further developments.
Technical Certificate Teaching and Learning Materials designed by the CoVEs. It has been agreed that CoVE/LSDA/CITB would work in partnership with the Standards Unit to disseminate the materials along with Standards Unit Materials at the Standards Unit Regional Network Meetings during the Autumn Term. Copies of the plastering materials in the latest format were available for delegates to look at.
DfES Standards Unit updated delegates of the progress made in the distribution and use of the Standards Unit teaching and learning materials. CoVEs were informed that the GCSE Construction was to be piloted in September 2005 in 55 centres. An update on the coaching programme was given and delegates who had not nominated coaches were encouraged to do so. Further information on this can be found on the website http://www.subjectlearningcoach.net/
SummitSkills (SSC) provided an update on a number of projects which they are progressing:
A review of BSE Technician (higher level NVQs), review of craft National Occupational Standards (NOS), incremental changes of NOS (plumbing). This also included an update on the Sector Skills Agreement (SSA) and the commissioning of a project to produce national and regional labour market information. SummitSkills coordinate and administer twelve local training groups across the UK and have established several national industry and cross sector interest groups where issues and ideas are developed into projects.
Further information on any of the updates mentioned can be obtained from SummitSkills www.summiskills.org.uk or phone 0870 351 4620
The plumbing, electrical installation and other working groups gave updates.
- Employer engagement, Lincoln College CoVE ran a discussion group, which examined strategies to involve employers more in the process especially relating to apprenticeships and up-skilling the workforce.
- Developing new provision, a collaborative approach. Lambeth College CoVE shared with delegates how they had worked in collaboration with the Building Crafts College to develop the Conservation Craft Certificate. The course, which now runs for 30 weeks, one night per week, began in June with 14 women. A second cohort is planned for November and already has a waiting list of 10.
Engineering
DfES Standards Unit gave an update on the engineering teaching and learning materials which included a summary of inspection reports identifying themes that need to be addressed. CoVEs were asked to consider the proposals discussed. CoVEs interested in volunteering to take part in the trials and pilots were asked to contact Colin Evans at cevans@ofsted.gov.uk
Brooksby Melton CoVE gave an informative presentation on how they had used Qdp’s services to administer an employer engagement survey and how this had led to further work with employers. They also went on to explain their needs analysis project which had been more successful than anticipated and from this the CoVE has set up an employer forum.
Derby College explained how their CoVE is involved in a joint project with 11 other providers to engage with 45 companies to provide 360 level 2 and 60 level 3 Business Improvement Techniques NVQs. SEMTA is project managing the initiative which also involves other stakeholders.
North Devon College spoke about their e-learning developments and how this was aimed at those in employment. The CoVE can now deliver single BTEC units as accredited awards through e-learning. The CoVE’s e-learning developments could be accelerated through collaboration with other CoVEs and anyone interested should contact the CoVE manager at North Devon College.
SEMTA (SSC) the National Funding Manager and Employer Networks Manager provided an update. They summarised the progress of their Sector Skills Agreement which has concentrated on the aerospace, automotive, electronics, marine and biosciences sectors. SEMTA are currently agreeing the scope for collaborative action before producing a costed action plan. CoVE and other providers will have a role to play in delivering SEMTA’s Sector Skills Agreement to ensure they are meeting the skills needs of the sector.
SummitSkills (SSC) update included developments applicable to CoVEs offering electrical provision, their National Occupational Standards and the development of electrical frameworks. They also highlighted the role CoVEs should be playing in these developments.
Sub-groups met briefly to discuss progress.
- Automobile led by Automotive Skills who now meet effectively as a quality improvement group. The group discussed the need for improved national consistency and agreed that Automotive Skills should be leading the standards setting. Members of this group agreed to assemble a set of essential elements for good practice. The next meeting of this sub-group will be 1st September 2005.
- Marine engineering with fabrication and welding had a successful meeting in April where they had discussed the North East Cluster Skills Action Plan and developments at The Welding Institute.
- Aerospace reported that Macclesfield CoVE and BAE had been working together on issues related to awarding bodies. Macclesfield also reported on the membership and activities of the Association of Colleges for Aerospace Training and offered to facilitate membership for other CoVEs.
- Rail this group had met in April where they discussed further collaboration.
- General engineering discussed the sharing of teaching and learning materials for adult training. Cambridge Regional College had developed materials in fluid power which may be useful to others. The CoVEs discussed meeting regionally and how this could work to the advantage of the region with improved relationships between the Regional Development Agency and regional Engineering Employers Federation groups.
Food Technology
Each of the CoVEs provided updates on developments since the last meeting, some of which are included in the good practice section. CoVEs have been working with employers to develop new bespoke courses, working collaboratively with employers and other providers to increase level 3 learners on work based programmes. They have also been involved in regional activities.
Improve (SSC) informed the group about a careers event to be organised by the publishers of The Grocer for the Food and Drink Industry. CoVEs were encouraged to attend and participate in the event bringing along employers, providers, school students and teachers. The event is planned for March 2006 and further information will be posted on Improve’s website.
Improve also updated the group on its passport launch, foundation degree framework consultation and the new apprenticeship specifications. They are setting up sub-sector consultation groups via email with employers and continuing to research industry needs.
The SDG outcomes for the year have progressed including:
- Some CoVEs holding successful employer meetings with Improve.
- Four centres piloting training for the Improve Multi Skills Workforce Development
- Employer pro forma completed, but still to be used.
Hair and Beauty .
This meeting was facilitated by the two CoVEs in hair and beauty with about 50 non-CoVE providers attending.
HABIA presented an overview on implementing apprenticeships in Beauty Therapy and Nail Services suggesting providers talk to careers advisors and parents about the options and progression routes for work-based learning. They gave an update on the developing apprenticeship frameworks and qualifications, their current working arrangements within the Sector Skills Development Agency, and how they are working directly with industry, environmental health and health and safety awards.
Yorkshire College of Beauty Therapy outlined their approach to apprenticeships which covered funding arrangements, employer responsibilities and employer involvement, key skills, the Yorkshire College of Beauty register of salons.
National Learning Network demonstrated a range of assistive technology, including various learning packages and teaching aids and additionally outlined the work of JISC in relation to the use of ICT for teaching, learning, research and administration.
Health and Social Care
Skills for Care (SSC) gave an overview of the SSC, Skills for Care and Development, which is an alliance of five bodies. Skills for Care are the strategic body for workforce development for adult social care in England. They will be developing the National Occupational Standards along with career pathways and are keen to engage with the CoVE network.
Greater Merseyside, Health and Social Care collaborative CoVE, outlined the strengths and weakness of operating on a more regional basis through links with key stakeholders in the area including NHS Trusts and Local Authorities.
Matthew Boulton College, Vocational Medical Science CoVE, gave a presentation and short video around the resources needed to support dental qualifications as well as other Allied Health Professions. Progress, growth and future plans experienced by the CoVE were outlined.
The group split into regional groups to discuss issues relevant to their region. Some of the issues raised included: effectively engaging SMEs and micro-businesses, induction of new CoVEs / CoVE managers to the group and how the SDG can become an effective channel of communication for sharing information.
CoVEs provided updates on activities since the last meeting which covered: working with Local Authorities, Connexions and others to identify career pathways and working with SEMTA to examine the feasibility of NVQs in Optical Retailing and Optical Manufacturing.
Hospitality and Catering
QCA updated CoVEs on the consultation on the Framework for Achievement, a summary is available on line www.qca.org.uk/ffa Some of the key issues were: support for a credit and unit based qualification framework, seamless framework principles across FE/HE system, common structure across 14-19 and adult system. The report was well supported with responses from a wide range of providers.
People1st (SSC) gave an update on their progress with the Sector Skills Agreement. They are in the second phase of consultation, and would very much appreciate CoVEs either responding to the questionnaire, or attending a focus group. A representative from People1st will attend each of the regional group meetings in July to run a focus group consultation exercise.
City and Guilds asked for volunteers from the CoVE network to help develop support materials for NVQs. Interested CoVEs should contact Matthew Lardi matthewl@city-and-guilds.co.uk. They also talked about the smartscreen discussion board, which is free to use if you sign up for membership. Further information is available on their website www.city-and-guilds.co.uk
Hospitality Awarding Body gave an update on the new NVQs launched in August 2005 and their programme of developing Vocationally Related Qualifications (VRQs) through engagement with visitor attractions e.g. Merlin, London Dungeons, Sea Life Centre. Any colleges wishing to deliver VRQs on behalf of HAB will be able to, as the programme expands.
Hospitality and Leisure Manpower gave a presentation on the Hospitality Skills Academy which has been set up by a consortium of Hospitality providers and the links which CoVEs could make with the academy.
Each of the CoVEs provided updates on activities since the meeting in the spring term which covered: providing bespoke training for school meals staff, a regional skills competition for all providers of hospitality and catering and one CoVE reported a growth in level 3 numbers.
Each of the regions provided updates:
- Midlands group are now working with People1st, hold regular meetings and are planning to include employers and non-CoVE providers. They are also planning for staff development across the network.
- Northern group had discussed foundation degrees, work-based learning, 14-16 and the new qualification framework.
- East group don’t meet as a group due to the large area this covers but they do meet in smaller groups where they are working with the LSC, Connexions and local county councils.
- South East group have developed a form for recording all employer links, each CoVE has reviewed prescribed units from NVQ 2 with a view to creating benchmark for assessment.
ICT
Each of the CoVEs provided an update on activities and developments since the last meeting covering: developing and providing IT security courses for SME managers, writing a new award for level 1 computer maintenance for City and Guilds and working with European and international colleges on developments. They are also continuing to support regional activities.
Europe CompTIA described the role of CompTIA, a not for profit trade association for the IT industry with 22,000 members. Its scope includes: Workforce development, E-Commerce, IT Services, Technology Learning Group and Vendor-Neutral Certification. They outlined their qualifications which are designed with industry needs in mind and constantly updated / reviewed. They also suggested ways in which they can work with CoVEs helping with their employer engagement.
Microsoft outlined the vision they have to engage with CoVEs and described a number of initiatives and developments that are relevant to providers. These include: the IT academy programme and the innovative teachers programme. With a growth in demand for help desk and desktop support, particularly with SMEs, there is an opportunity for CoVEs. A number of CoVEs are already Microsoft academies and benefit from the sharing of materials they can access via the website. Microsoft would welcome any contact from other CoVEs who are interested in joining the academies programme marieta@microsoft.com
British Computer Society described the framework of IT practitioner qualifications available: the gold standard of the chartered IT professional which include the levels of competency within the Information Systems Examination Board (ISEB), down to the entry level qualification the European Certificate for Informatics Professionals (EUCIP).
e-skills UK gave an update on the Sector Skills Agreement which was followed by workshops where CoVEs reflected on some of the key themes of the SSA namely: careers advice, the IT diploma, e-business academy and ITQ / e-skills passport. A number of points were raised over the simplification and signposting of qualifications for employers, the need to raise the profile of CoVEs and increased collaboration with the careers industry so they have a better understanding of the industry.
e-skills UK also talked about their Computer Clubs for Girls (CC4G) programme that is a voluntary ‘out of hours’ club exclusively for girls aged 10 – 14. The clubs have been set up to increase the numbers of females in IT by using girls’ interests to teach them professional technology skills and complement the ICT curriculum for KS2 and KS3. The significance for CoVEs was outlined. The CoVE at City College Norwich has been involved in the developments of the CC4Gs.
Land-based Industries
DfES Standards Unit presented an update on the Land-based sector teaching and learning materials. The first of these, Animal Transport will be disseminated from early September 2005. The Soils and ILM materials are in the pilot phase until October 2005, with national dissemination planned from March 2006. An outline of the role and training of the Subject Learning Coaches was given and providers requiring further information were asked to contact the LSDA. http://www.subjectlearningcoach.net/
Defra spoke about their Vocational Training Scheme (VTS) which is only applicable to certain sectors, (i.e. farmers and growers, those involved in agricultural and horticultural activities, woodland owners or principals, those who derive direct income from forestry activities and people involved in the conversion of farming, horticultural and forestry activities). They also went on to present tips for successful bid writing.
New Measures of Success – CoVEs were updated on these new measures, some of which will be used from 05/06. The groups discussed employer responsiveness and the approach to recognising and recording progress and achievement on non-accredited learning – RARPRA. Further information can be found on the LSC website www.lsc.gov.uk . QCA enhanced the discussion with an up to date contribution about the new Framework for Achievement, which will replace the National Qualifications Framework.
Kent Equine Industry Training Services presented and led a discussion around a good practice paper on collaboration and partnerships which they had participated in. The findings had shown that truly successful collaborations between WBL providers and colleges in this sector are few. Key barriers such as geographic boundaries, difficulties in managing the processes, tradition and old perceptions of competition, and in particular, funding barriers, were discussed.
The group also discussed the Defra Rural Delivery Pathfinder Prospectus and how the involvement in the Humber Rural Delivery Pathfinder was contributing to Bishop Burton’s CoVE sustainability.
Lantra (SSC) provided an update on the Sector Skill Agreements and they are currently contacting CoVEs and the college network in respect of supply-side data for the development of the Sector Skills Agreement. Five employer groups have already been organised by Bishop Burton. Lantra 's Regional Partnership Managers will also be inviting colleagues to focus groups in the autumn.
Lantra’s CourseFinder brokerage model is a UK wide, training referral service for the environmental and land-based sector. Lantra has spent the last few months engaging with training providers and registering expressions of interest in the service. The live website will be launched in early July and will be actively promoted to business and employers from August 2005.
Logistics & transport
The Logistics College of the North West (LCNW) presented the outline of the interim evaluation that they carried out to tie in with the end of CoVE funding in March 2006. They also highlighted the Level 3 qualifications being developed by LCNW and extended an invitation to other CoVEs to attend the meetings taking place in June, October and February.
This was then followed by a discussion around the CoVE assessment and confirmation process, including suggested actions required during the development year and suitable documents for evidence portfolios.
The group agreed to meet in July at North Warwickshire and Hinckley College to continue to share information and work together. Three areas highlighted in particular for joint working were activities, publicity and qualifications development.
Retail
Hospitality Awarding Body gave an introduction to generic qualifications that can be applied to Retail. The main discussion was around some colleges who are already offering these qualifications, and the way in which the assessment is organised by HAB.
The lead for retail at LSC National Office and London College of Fashion (LCF) focussed on the progress of the Fashion Retail Academy which is supported by Arcadia with LCF as the preferred provider. This is the first of the Skills Academies planned and there was some debate concerning the role of both Skills Academies and CoVEs.
This group had met outside of the SDG and discussed a generic schools programme file which led to discussion on the contents. They also discussed a review of the curriculum and materials including:
- BTEC National delivery at Preston
- Certificates in Retail Principles and the National Pilot
- Retail Academy Membership
- (The pink box) advocated by Solihull
- Mobile Phone games contact from Solihull
Sport and Leisure
BTEC has involved staff from representative colleges to be involved in a review of the First Diploma in Sport specifications. This has also included an attempt to map standards to National Occupational Standards.
Dearne Valley CoVE outlined an innovative approach that they have adopted in an attempt to combat the increasing attempts to vocationalise their local school curricula. Many providers are attempting to offer First Diploma in Sport for year 10/year 11. Acting in a quality assurance role, Dearne Valley will offer a range of services to support providers in offering this.
Hospitality Awarding Body provided a detailed outline of a range of provision developed which is suitable to deliver to employers across a range of key themes with minimal contact hours. These 7-9 hour programmes for Level 1 Customer Care/Conflict Management/Selling and Level 2 Customer Care/Conflict Management (45 Guided Learning Hours). Opportunities from HAB to support centres in marketing these awards were outlined. On-line testing and registration are some of the benefits.
QCA provided a detailed presentation on current work undertaken including The Framework for Achievement. Discussions focussed on the frameworks for apprenticeships and the inconsistency that this sector has in comparison to others. QCA will raise CoVE concerns regarding apprenticeship framework with SSC representatives.
Travel and Tourism
QCA gave an update on the consultation on the Framework For Achievement, a summary is available on line www.qca.org.uk/ffa. Some of the key issues were: support for credit and unit based qualification framework, seamless framework principles across FE/HE system, common structure across 14-19 and adult system. There was a high level of support and responses from a wide range of providers.
People1st (SSC) gave an update on their progress with the Sector Skills Agreement (SSA). They are currently at stage 1 of a five-stage strategy; the assessment of current and future skills needs. They also went on to talk about the Sector Qualification Strategy which comes out of the SSA. The SSC will liaise with all awarding bodies to take a longer, more planned approach to qualifications and CoVEs will have a role to play in this. As part of this process a qualifications forum will be established with the awarding bodies and QCA where they will start to review the qualifications in the sector.
Creative and Cultural Skills (SSC) have taken 3 years to get a license and the alternative opportunities within this sector were highlighted for the Tourism CoVEs.
Civil Aviation Authority talked about consumer protection and the importance of training in this area. They also highlighted the role CoVEs could play in ensuring this provision is provided.
CoVEs gave an update against their plans for the year which included: progress of the insurance services course that some CoVEs have run, an update on the progress of installing Galileo, their national tourism convention which is to be held on the 4 and 5 July 2005, the marketing and branding of CoVEs and progress with the couriers/ski chalet courses.
CoVEs provided individual updates on work since the last meeting which has included a number of dissemination visits, increasing employer engagement through offering bespoke courses, working collaboratively with hospitality CoVEs, working with local schools to update teachers and develop courses and building links with People1st and GoSkills the Sector Skills Councils.
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