Round 1 Funded Projects

Details can be found below of projects funded by the Pathfinder in the first round.

Advanced Engineering and Materials

University of Bolton - Composite Design and Analysis Training and Education (CoDATE)
This bid will develop industrial led courses delivered by new flexible modes that include e-delivery, to provide industrial capability to respond and maintain international recognition in their respective fields of excellence. The MSc in Advanced Composite Design and analysis will be achieved by following a number of routes through a credit accumulation methodology. Credits can be taken as CPD alone or as credits towards a recognised qualification at certificate, diploma or full MSc level at both the University of Bolton and the University of Manchester. This project will develop modules on Introduction to composite design and Detail Design Feature and Characteristics.

University of Manchester - Composite Manufacturing Education and Training (CoMET)
Fundamentally, the material and delivery methods are industry driven, the modules can be stand alone CPD based, or put towards a taught MSc in Advanced Engineering Materials or a new research based MSc in Advanced Aerospace Materials Engineering through the University of Manchester and complementary courses involving best practice in composite design and analysis through the University of Bolton will be achieved by following a number of routes through a credit accumulation methodology. This project will develop modules on Composite Manufacturing and Manufacturing for the Complete Life Cycle.

Lancaster University - Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Programme on Chemicals Regulation and Management This proposal covers the development of a CPD programme on chemicals regulation and management and is designed to provide training on the implementation of the REACH and additional key SHE safety, health and environmental legislation. The training will be specifically tailored to meet the needs of non-SME compliance managers, REACH managers, developing capability within SMEs and the service provision market. The approach will be modular, allowing maximum flexibility for trainees and provide a range of possible CPD outcomes from post-graduate certificates of attendance to masters level degrees.

UCLan - Development of the Foundation Degree in Nuclear Related Technology
The Foundation Degree in Nuclear Related Technology will provide a new generation of engineers/scientists who will have a broad knowledge in science, nuclear and engineering related disciplines with developed and enhanced research and analytical skills. It is envisaged that standard entry to the programme will be students with relevant level 3 qualifications such as AS, A2 or National Certificate. Three main vocational areas have been identified which include Science and Process; Commissioning and Maintenance; Instrumentation and Control.

UCLan - Development of the Foundation Degree in Nuclear Project Leadership
The Sellafield site requires a new generation of engineers/scientists who will have a broad knowledge in Project control, Management and Leadership to help develop and apply science, nuclear and engineering knowledge. Three main vocational areas for this FD have been identified which include key skills appropriate to project control, management and leadership. The programme will allow progression to a number of existing honours degree programmes within UCLan, for example Construction Project Management. Additionally consideration will be given to the development of bespoke top-up programmes focusing on distance learning materials allowing for local delivery at Sellafield and other out-reach sites.

Business & Professional

Blackburn College – Development of the Foundation Degree in Financial Services and Law
This proposal will develop an employer led course to address the skills shortages identified within the Financial Services sector. The development of learning, teaching and assessment materials including e-learning materials to facilitate different modes of study will meet the needs of local and regional employers. E-learning materials will facilitate learning in the work place and enhance modular delivery across and beyond the region. The degree incorporates the key knowledge outcomes for the Financial Services Industry including contemporary development of financial services, financial analysis, research methodology, professional ethics, legal aspects & regulations and risk management. Work based learning and personal development is a key component and the employees on the course will develop their communication, customer care, research, teamwork and management skills. The course will enable progression to a number of existing honours degrees.

Creative & Digital

Liverpool John Moores University - New Media Production CPD
This proposal will develop a suite of CPD provision which will address the current skills gaps within the industry, particularly in reference to the development of the new Liverpool Screen School at Liverpool John Moores University, and on the current high number of independent production companies in the North West. The aim of this new programme is to produce artisans of the digital moving image; to create video artists with the creativity, the critical and technical acumen and the chutzpah to succeed within the video/broadcast industry, and within the ‘new’ media industries. The Liverpool Screen School will ensure that the region as a whole and Liverpool in particular will have the skilled and creative practitioners that the broadcasting industry needs in order to capitalise on emerging opportunities and technological developments.

Manchester College of Arts & Technology - First Post North West
First Post North West is a scheme to help postproduction companies train their junior staff. It has been designed by industry to train new employees of different postproduction companies all they need to know to become useful members of their business. It is only for new employees in the industry and will be sponsored by their business. The aim of the proposal is the development of sector specific flexible learning to support practitioners in the industry sub sectors. This will involve framework specification for accrediting experiential learning and support for leadership, management and entrepreneurial skills and knowledge. By providing joint working and training / skills development with employers, Skillset and commercial training companies we will ensure that students and education providers can accommodate the developing postproduction industry needs.

Construction

MSc in Construction Management – University of Salford
This project will develop a new employer-led Masters level programme that will provide the educational component of a NVQ Level 5, which in turn supports the attainment of a managerial/professional Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card. CSCS is the largest competency card scheme in the construction industry, and is obtained through demonstrating on the job competence, through an NVQ or related workplace qualification. The construction industry has set a target of achieving a fully qualified workforce by 2010, and competency cards such as CSCS enable workers to demonstrate that they can do their job, and that they can do it safely.

The new programme at Salford University has been developed through specific employer demand identified through the National Skills Academy for Construction, and will involve extensive collaboration with employer partners throughout the design, implementation and evaluation of the project. Construction managers who undertake this programme will gain the underpinning knowledge for NVQ level 5, which they will then be able to translate into on-site practice. The scheme will be delivered in an online, modular basis, to meet employers’ demands in a flexible way. Current education provision at levels 3 and 4 provide the underpinning knowledge for the equivalent level CSCS card, but it is thought that this programme will be the first of its kind in the UK for Black CSCS (level 5) status.

More information regarding this programme can be viewed here (pdf).