All SLN funded research projects were completed in August 2008. Project outcomes will be made available on this website in the near future

This project aimed to develop and introduce systems for employer engagement appropriate to a range of curriculum areas and Foundation degrees or diplomas delivered at City College Brighton. These will be used to evaluate employer and industrial attitudes to work-based learning and the vocational competencies expected from students at Foundation degree or diploma level. A longer-term aim of the project was to engage with employers and involve them in curriculum design and delivery, and assessment of work-based elements of these qualifications. The team also identified training needs relating to the delivery and assessment of work-based learning at Level 4. The outcomes provide valuable models for developing employer engagement which may be beneficial for all Foundation degrees and diplomas delivered within the SLN and nationally. The team devised questionnaires and set up databases to store captured data. Each team member then focussed on engaging employers in the areas of Biomedical Science, Music Production and Culinary Arts. This work will contribute to the design of Foundation degrees that are vocationally focused and contain relevant work-based learning and work-related learning. Improved employer liaison and relevance of courses should lead to increased recruitment and widening participation.

Email: sr2@ccb.ac.uk