Transcript Demographical Analysis: Age Profile of London and South East

Lifelong Learning Networks, South
London and Employer Engagement
Mary Stuart
Professor of Higher Education
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Kingston University and
Chair of the SLLLLN
Content
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Welcome and introduction to the day…..
The LLLN agenda
Why is employer engagement important to HE
and FE?
What we hope to achieve today….
The Lifelong Learning Network Proposal 2004
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Howard Newby’s vision for tackling the disparity between
‘academic’ and ‘vocational’ learning
Differential participation rates between social classes
some minority ethnic groups and disabled people – eg
only 14% of non skilled manual workers entered HE
compared to 80% of professional classes
Only 50% of learners with level 3 vocational qualifications
go on to HE.. This initiative was meant to fix this.
Vocational Learning and Lifelong Learning
Networks
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At its heart the initiative focused on learning for
work and learning in work…
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Evaluation report, compiled for HEFCE by the Open University's
Centre for Higher Education Research and Information, concludes
that LLNs are working effectively with institutions to develop curricula
and procedures that should, in due course, make a difference to
vocational learning.
The role of LLNs is recognised as important to developing
relationships with partner institutions that enable them to deliver
programmes of activity enhancing the coherence, clarity and certainty
of opportunities for vocational learners (2008).
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What was committed from HEFCE?
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At the start of 2008, approximately £100 million
and 15,000 additional student numbers had been
allocated to 29 LLNs (including two national and
two regional networks).
In March 2008, a thirtieth LLN in Lancashire was
awarded funding by HEFCE
Recently HEFCE decided not to continue this
initiative…
South London Lifelong Learning Network
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South London LLLN has worked with all HEIs in
the area and FE providers, private trainers, skills
councils, learners, engaged in the development
of diplomas and crucially for this conference with
employers
Excellent team led by Denise Cooper, excellent
engagement by HEIs and FECs by sector, joint
working, learning pathways developed along with
work with employers.
Today will give you a taste of some of this work
The Leitch Agenda 2006
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Key Recommendations of Leitch include all public funding for adult
vocational qualifications to go through Train to Gain/Learner
Accounts by 2010.
A strengthened employer voice will be achieved through a
Commission for Employment and Skills, which will replace SSDA, the
National Employment Panel and the Skills Alliance.
There will be a network of employer led Employment and Skills
Boards to influence delivery.
There will be a greater employer buy-in through SSCs leading
qualifications reform and raising employer demand and investment.
Public funding for vocational qualifications will be linked to SSC
approval.
Leitch and HE
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Leitch requires a rebalancing of higher education priorities. The
teaching and learning mission for HE should be extended to the
whole adult workforce; and HE should deliver flexible and responsive
provision to meet employers’ needs.
A portion of HE funding is to be delivered through a demand-led
mechanism ‘similar to’ Train to Gain.
SSCs should work directly with HE providers to influence content of
provision, eg through Foundation Degrees. There is a key role for HE
in driving up quality of management and leadership skills in the
workforce
The position will be reviewed in 2010 by the Employment and Skills
Commission.
Employer Engagement/ Workforce
Development
Employer Engagement projects in HE
 27 employer engagement projects at different universities
working with FE at times but no collaborative projects
between HEIs. £75m Capacity funding allocated 39 Lead
institutions delivering co-funded provision 10,000
Additional co-funded students 2008-09
 The Training Gateway
http://www.thetraininggateway.com/home
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2008 is not 2006 but the issue of skills in the
workforce remains crucial.
We know that the economic downturn will be challenging for many
companies and their employees.
But our universities and higher education colleges are better placed
than ever to help them cope. Through consultancy programmes that
can help businesses become more efficient or profitable, or through
higher level training courses that can improve the productivity of staff
members, universities are already making a big difference in
thousands of companies across the country. A growing number of
campuses and science parks are also providing the innovative
solutions and ideas that will lead to tomorrow’s products and new
ways of working. (Standing together, Universities supporting
business in the economic downturn, UUK and Guild HE).
Focus for the day in the light of the challenges
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To show case employer engagement work
undertaken by the LLLN
To showcase a number of different approaches
to EE
To provide an opportunity for sharing of practice
To discuss how the lessons and work of LLLNs in
this area can be taken forward.