An alternative route to a Degree with the University of Sheffield

17th June, 2016

Speaker - Wendy Miller

The AMRC Training Centre Background

• Firstly, how did it come about? • The AMRC ….

“Sheffield University does more than teach students but also we can work with companies to add to the knowledge which will drive UK production and exports.” Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield Professor Sir Keith Burnett (2015)

The AMRC Training Centre

• Who are we?

The AMRC-TC is a 5,500m² building which has been set up to replicate a work environment for apprentices. Delivering high quality, well resourced advanced and higher apprenticeship training to address the needs of local employers (well over 180 employers engaged with 408 current learners)

Pathways

The Diversity of Engineering: What do we deliver? We currently offer five broad pathways for engineering apprenticeships : • Mechanical manufacturing • Welding & fabrication • Technical support • Maintenance (Electrical & Mechanical) • Electronics

Each pathway has over 60 modules to choose from, allowing the apprentice and employer to specialise in a specific area

Advanced Apprenticeships

“Apprenticeships are at the heart of our mission to rebuild the economy, giving young people the chance to learn a trade and to build their careers, creating a truly world-class, high-skilled workforce that can compete and thrive in the global race.” David Cameron (2013)

The number of apprenticeship vacancies hits a high as the nation’s employers back a new generation of workers (Source – Skills Funding Agency)

Our Engineering - Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship: All apprentices are employed from day 1 and spend 6-12months in the Training Centre This is followed by work in their company studying a Level 3 NVQ Also they spend 1 day per week studying a BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Engineering for two years

Apprenticeships

“We want it to become the new norm for people to choose between an apprenticeship or University as equally prestigious routes to a great career.” Skills Minister , Nick Boles (2015

Higher/Degree Apprenticeships The University of Sheffield AMRC Training Centre won the prestigious Widening Participation Initiative award at the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2014. Why?

The AMRC TC continues to widen participation …… The AMRC Training Centre’s Foundation Degree (FDEng) in Manufacturing Technology combines practical work based learning with academic study and provides a direct route to a certified degree qualification with the University of Sheffield. This has created an alternative route for those wishing to study Higher Education but did not feel a full-time University course was for them (or a possibility).

The award was given for bridging the manufacturing skills gap whilst promoting social mobility. It reflects the exceptional achievements of the first full annual cohort of 250 advanced apprentices employed by high value manufacturing companies within the purpose built state-of-the-art Training Centre.

Higher/Degree Apprenticeships

The AMRC Training Centre secured funding from HEFCE to develop the new Manufacturing Technology Foundation Degree leading to a full Degree. The first delivery is planned for September 2016. Also, AMRC Training Centre is working closely with industrial partners to fit the needs of the new Trailblazer, level 4 and level 6 standards as part of the latest reform to apprenticeships. Note: Vocational engineering at the AMTC is not for those at the lowest end of attainment or motivation (it is not easy to get an apprenticeship!) All the apprentices are employed

The Foundation Degree provides a flexible day release programme delivered over two years and is available as a stand-alone qualification or as part of a 'Higher Apprenticeship‘.

The Fd in Manufacturing Technology

• Developed with employer input it aims to utilise the latest learning technologies to support the students both inside and outside the classroom using “Flipped Learning” techniques.

• Laboratory sessions are also planned at the Diamond in collaboration with the University of Sheffield Faculty of Engineering (supported by the multi-disciplinary engineering education team within the faculty).

• This programme combines the academic rigour and excellence of the University of Sheffield with the AMRC Training Centre’s industrial and practical vocational application.

Content YEAR 1 • Mathematics for Manufacturing • Principles of Electrical Circuits • Manufacturing Materials and Solid Mechanics • Introduction to Design, Solid Modelling and CAD CAM • Introduction to Manufacturing Systems • Manufacturing Processes – Casting, Forming and Shaping • Engineering Principles

FUTURE PLANS .. We are also looking to develop similar Maintenance and Construction Manufacturing Degree pathways

YEAR 2 • Further Mathematics for Manufacturing • Design for Manufacture and Assembly • Robotics, Automation and Informatics • Computing for Manufacturing • Professional Responsibility and the Engineering Society • Manufacturing Operations Management • Advanced Manufacturing Processes – Machining and Joining • Composite Manufacturing Processes • Modelling and Simulation in Manufacturing • Interdisciplinary Project

Successful vocational education systems offer a clear pathway to HE (Cook, 2013)

The AMRC TC aims to address these issues

There appears to be a lack of continuity between school age vocational education and Post-16 options (Tomlinson, 2004)

The ideals are reflected in our Vision and Mission. Time for questions – meet our panel

Useful References BIS [The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills] (2015) ‘Employer Ownership Fund – Equality Impact Assessment’, London: OGL Burnett, Sir K. (2015) ‘Comment: Use the budget to help universities build the UK economy and drive the northern powerhouse’, Sheffield University News, March 18 [On-line]. Available at: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/news/nr/budget-help-universities-build-uk-economy-northern-powerhouse-1.449747 [Accessed 20th April 2015] Clark, G (2012) ‘Inspiring students to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics,’ London: Department for Business Innovation & Skills [BIS] Colley, H., James D., Diment K. and Tedde, M. (2003) Learning as becoming in vocational education and training: class, gender and role of vocational habitus, Journal of Vocational Education and Training, 55(4), pp.471-498 Cook, W (2013), Vocational Education in schools. Protecting Options for Pre-16 Pupils. London: IPPR London Economics (2013), The outcomes associated with the BTEC route of degree level acquisition. A Report for Pearson, London: LE Tomlinson, M. (2004) Curriculum and qualification Reform, Annesley: DfES Publications Wolf, A. (2011), Review of Vocational Education - The Wolf Report, Department for Education

Useful Websites/Links The AMRC Training Centre - http://www.amrctraining.co.uk/ The University of Sheffield - http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ Apprenticeships - http://www.apprentice-forward.org.uk/index.asp (in association with HEPP) Learning for jobs - http://www.oecd.org/edu/skills-beyond-school/Learning%20for%20Jobs%20book.pdf Engaging employers – Mind the Gap - http://www.unialliance.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Mind-the-gap-web.pdf