• Very few employers in the sample know about Foundation degrees
• Many highlighted shortcomings in the qualifications they were currently using
• Where they were satisfied with provision it was where qualifications were designed with employer needs in mind
• The majority of employers could see that Foundation degrees had the potential to meet the needs of their company, either for new entrants or for upskilling of existing employees
• Most of the employers said they would support the future development of Foundation degrees for their sector

Liz Johnson, Cogent Skills Director, who managed the research said: “The ongoing success of the Cogent industries is dependent on the availability of people who are highly skilled in engineering, science and technology. As technology continues to advance and production moves to more added value products the workforce must continually develop its technical skills.

“At the same time the sector faces issues of an ageing workforce, poor diversity and negative perceptions of the work from young people at a time when the industries face stiff competition for employees. Foundation degrees are set to play a central part in addressing these issues by providing both a vehicle for upskilling and a clear, interesting, practical and stretching entry pathway.”

Recommendations

The study looked at the potential role for Foundation degrees in upskilling the existing workforce particularly for apprentices and technicians working at Level 3, as well as providing a suitable route for entry to the sector.

Cogent has now made a number of recommendations for the development of Foundation degrees for their sector. These include

• Where existing Foundation degree provision has already met the needs of the employers in specific localities, replication of this should be encouraged nationally
• Modularised content on a ‘pick and mix’ basis within a credit framework coupled with flexible delivery (including on-line and distance delivery) will be central to the success
• Modules will cover technical skill (~50%) and generic skills (~50%) such as Business Management, Team Working and Leadership and Project Management and Control.
  

• All relevant channels should be used to promote better awareness of Foundation degrees in the Cogent industries

Cogent, based on employer feedback also made a number of industry specific recommendations that:

• Cogent leads the development of a new Foundation degree for the petroleum (refineries) sector
• Work with employers and potential providers is undertaken to develop a ‘composites’ pathway within the framework of the existing Polymer Technology Foundation degree
• Providers of Foundation degrees for the Cogent industries get endorsement from the employer-led National Skills Academies for the Process Industries (NSAPI) and the Nuclear industry (NSAN)
• Discussions take place with employers, potential providers and other relevant bodies in the East of England with a view to developing a Foundation degree for the high-profile energy industries in this region
• The potential to enhance the existing Foundation degrees in Polymer Technology and Chemical Technology and to deliver in other regions is explored.

Cogent is now in discussion with Foundation Degree Forward regarding the above recommendations is moving forward with the work.