By Andrew Slater, Deputy Director Research & Development, University of Portsmouth, University of Portsmouth
Subscribe. . . . .and accreditation of in-service training for academic qualifications
For many years the University of Portsmouth has recognised the difficulty of people in full-time employment, especially busy managers, being able to find time to enhance their academic qualifications. We have also been concerned that many undertake extensive in-house training programmes but receive no proper civilian recognition for their studies, especially qualifications that could be vital for enhanced employment opportunities or to start a second career. Ten years ago the only realistic way of obtaining a first degree or higher qualification was to attend university either as a full-time or part-time student; fine if you happened to live or work close by a HE institution and could fit your study into work and family life but difficult if this meant lots of travel and virtually impossible if you were in the Armed Forces and deployed worldwide.
The
introduction of different methods of learning and the utility of the Internet has changed all that. It is now possible to provide flexible programmes of learning closely linked to the working environment so that individuals can study at the same time as carrying out their normal jobs. Agreed, this is no less demanding than existing methods of study but it opens up new opportunities.
Learning in the Workplace or the ‘Partnership Programme’ as it is known at Portsmouth, is very well established and provides individually tailored or corporate programmes at first degree and postgraduate level drawing on the full range of courses available in Portsmouth or at other HEIs. The ‘Learning Contract’ is invariably a partnership between the individual, their employer and the University and can be customised to meet specific development needs of a company as appropriate. Prior learning and training can be included in the contract and this can reduce very significantly the amount of study required for the chosen qualification Study can also be undertaken at a time and pace to suit the individual.
‘The Partnership Programme is not ‘just another course’ offered by the University, it is a response to the real needs faced by companies that want to grow and develop’
Located in the heart of Portsmouth and the home of the Royal Navy, it would be most surprising if the University did not view the RN as one of its principal customers. Accordingly, there is considerable co-operation between the two organisations to identify and accredit existing training programmes, and to develop new flexible packages of learning to provide through-life learning linked to the service career. Examples include the accreditation of all levels of music training undertaken at the Royal Marines School of Music leading to the award of BMus and MMus, and a work-based CPD Masters programme in Training Management and Consultancy. The University has also helped developed a number of distance learning programmes for UK police forces linked to their professional training and has accredited the work of the Empire Test Pilots School at Boscombe Down. We have also provided customised programmes for Flagship Training, IBM, Lockheed Martin and Thales, with large elements of work-based learning and project work.
The most recent activity has been the accreditation of Artificer (Technician) training for RN Marine Systems and Weapon System Engineers for appropriate Foundation Degrees. These qualifications started in Autumn 2003 and are one of the first engineering FDs in the country. All Foundation Degrees require a guaranteed progression route to Honours and the University is now working closely with the RN to provide a selection of flexible programmes so that Artificers can continue with their academic studies whilst serving at sea or ashore. The University already offers a fast-track route from HND/FD to BEng (Hons) in 9 months residential study and is planning a complementary on-line/distance learning/work-based learning programme to degree level aligned to the RN’s technical requirements.
The University recognises fully that MOD and Defence Industry training and education are of the highest order and merit proper recognition by civilian employers. If you would like to find out more how this can be achieved and in particular about
- The Partnership Programme
- Accreditation of Prior Learning and training courses
- On-line, Distance and Work-based learning
- Customised courses and flexible degree programmes
- Research, Development and Consultancy
then we should be delighted to work with you to fulfil your needs.
Andrew Slater
Research and Development Service
University of Portsmouth
University House
Winston Churchill Avenue
Portsmouth PO1 2UP
Tel: +44 (0) 23 9284 3553
E-mail: rds@port.ac.uk
Website: www.port.ac.uk
