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Workplace Learning On Good Foundation
Career-minded professionals intent on enhancing their career horizons will be excited by the launch of an innovative Foundation degree by the Cardiff School of Management within the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC).
Already, companies like the Acorn group, one of the UK’s leading recruitment and training companies is supporting this type of degree and they plan to send some of their own staff on the programme and also endorse the programme to their own clients.
Sarah John, one of Acorn’s directors said: “All our programmes align directly to the National Occupational Standards for management and over the last few years we have been working with UWIC to provide a progression route for our learners who wish to attain at a management level suitable for progression to formal learning.”
She continued: “In partnership with UWIC we are able to promote this foundation degree to provide both our own staff with their next stage of development, and also to provide our clients with a work-based opportunity for their internal development programmes.”
The first of its kind in Wales, this Foundation degree in Applied Professional Practice aims to engage those currently involved in some form of managerial role who want to improve their career prospects via the flexibility of workplace learning. The degree offers an opportunity for people in work to become part time students and to improve their leadership skills and management practices. It also aims to extend the project management skills and key research and development strategies of workers in order to build organisational capacity and efficiency.
Through work –based study, students will be able to carry out learning activities in a negotiated manner, focusing heavily upon their current workplace activities. This will require the acquisition of reflective and critical skills which will develop them as important individuals inside their organisation and, importantly, add value to their company.
Dr Barrie Kennard, Programme Director for this degree in Applied Professional Practice commented - “from my own personal experience I know that this type of degree offers a fantastic opportunity to gain a relevant degree qualification and enhance a person’s career prospects. We have designed this programme to be totally learner and employer - focused and with an emphasis on developing practical skills for the workplace rather than just building theoretical understanding.”
Dr Kennard is keen to speak to any potential student who is currently in a work environment and how wants to progress their career. Entry to programme is via applicant and subsequent interview and proof of relevant work experience is the only criteria for entry. The degree is a modular programme run over 2 calendar years of part-time study. Successful students will be able to top-up to a BA honours degree in the Cardiff School of management, and ultimately, onto a new Masters qualification in Applied Professional Practice, due to be launched in September 2009.
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