Welsh Baccalaureate Principal Learning in IT Strategic Context Peter Sishton

Our world is changing What does this mean for Wales…. Its future economic success and its young people?

Our world is increasingly digital –Today’s young people need to be equipped to thrive and contribute in a fast paced e-economy The global IT industry –The UK IT industry is still growing 5 – 8 times faster than the UK average- 10 times faster in Wales! –IT represents a significant element of the UK GDP –Commodity IT services are increasingly provided outside UK Plc –UK demand is up the value chain - business innovation, IT- enabled process change, customer support roles The knowledge economy –Increasing needs for higher-level skills and lifelong learning –Adaptable workforce managing constant change –High level IT skills needed across the workforce (professionals, managers) Our world is changing…..Rational for PLQ

Incorporated into the Welsh Baccalaureate structure from 2009 Leverages the three year investment made in England in the ‘Diploma in IT’ and brings this to our young people Underpins the e-skills ‘Strategic Plan for Wales’ Is sponsored by the Employers Forum for Wales Is a curriculum driven by Employers and business needs….. …..Working in partnership with education providers, Careers Wales, employers, NHS Wales, Awarding Bodies, NGFL, schools and networks …..To give students an opportunity to learn the applied IT skills that will equip them to be professionals in an IT led economy The Principal Learning in IT

Support for PLQ WAG Policy (ERP and Digital Wales) Employers Careers Wales Informing Health Care HE (visits/CPD/Projects) FE FSB Awarding Bodies NGFL

CASE STUDIES Examples of the right ingredients for Success- no evidence of this opportunity being undertaken to date:- Network planning (marketing, partnership, CPD of teachers) Delivery 50% applied learning – new curriculum

Employer Strategy Employers are key are the main key to success of the qualification Careers Wales EBP and employer networks are key to the success of this initiative Protocols have developed over the last year or so- see Careers Wales paper

UK/Wales/2539 The Principal Learning in IT and Welsh LMI