Employer engagement: Curriculum Development

Background

The University of Derby Corporate was launched in September 2008 in direct response to UK Government call for higher education institutions to do more to foster higher level skills development in the workforce. The Government’s Leitch Review of Skills stated that Universities must increase their focus on providing the opportunities for skills development that employees want and UK employers need. Also, a recent report by Universities UK predicted that universities had to offer more career training.

Aims and targets

The University of Derby Corporate dedicates itself to working with employers. By focusing on businesses’ skills and training needs it aims to be able to offer employers services ranging from short ‘bite-sized’ work-based learning packages to full industry specific courses.

Strategy and actions

An example of the activity in employer engagement: Swizzels Matlow is a joint family run business founded in 1935 as a manufacturer of sugar confectionary. They are the largest employer in the New Mills area, with a work force of over 600. The company had recently been having issues with staff motivation and retention, as well as trying to raise their game to remain competitive. The University of Derby agreed a comprehensive programme of training in NVQ Level 2 in Food Manufacturing to recognise the experience of all their staff with outstanding results. Integrating sound training and development into the business has directly led to a reduction in staff turnover. Investment has also been made to ensure that there is a dedicated training facility on site for staff to pursue personal development opportunities. Swizzels Matlow were selected as finalists at the Food and Drink Manufacturers Awards, and recently won the prestigious ‘Business and Staff Development’ award at the Derbyshire Business Awards in February 2008 which recognised their investment in staff training.

Monitoring and evaluation

Funding/Cost effectiveness

Sustainability/Transferability

Activity such as the ECIF is limited to an 18 month period, but it is anticipated that demand for employer engagement and standard courses will continue for the foreseeable future.

Outcomes/impacts

Achievements

In addition to casework with particular companies, the university runs standard courses specially designed in association with the construction materials industry.

The courses have been created with employers in the construction industry and are constantly updated. They're also supported by the Institute of Quarrying and the Institute of Asphalt Technology.

Success factors

A main success factor is the direct approach to local companies, and the development of standard courses in partnership with specific sectors.

Unintended impacts

Strengths and weaknesses