1. Presentation to PLC Sector Compact & Skills Pledge John Holton, Jan 08

2. Key Elements of the Cogent Sector Compact Proposal Roll out of the Gold Standard frameworks for key roles Qualifications reform to provide a transition between existing NVQs and VRQs towards smaller, credit based qualifications targeted at specific training needs Development of an effective model for the accreditation of prior learning at a company level, against the appropriate framework Development of a credible brokerage service capable of identifying and addressing specific processing skills needs Provision of Train to Gain funding to support all learners achievement of the relevant Gold Standard framework (i.e. regardless of learner eligibility status).

3. Awards, Certificates & Diplomas Polymer Processing & Related Operations NVQ level 2 Process Operations Certificate (20 credits) –Safety, health and environmental requirements in polymer related environments –Start up a machine based production process in polymer related environments –Start up and maintain a machine based production process in polymer related environments –Monitoring and maintenance of product quality in polymer processing environments –Shutdown a machine based production process in polymer related environments Process Improvement Certificate Sampling & Testing Award Etc.

4. Qualifications Credit Framework Qualifications Credit Framework Credit & Level Formal Qualifications NVQ Polymer Operations BTEC Engineering HE Credit Accumulation & Transfer System Informal Qualifications Employer training Gold Standard Role Profiles 1 Process Operator 2 Process Technician 3 Sift Supervisor 4 ……. 5 …….. Quality Assured Awarding body NSAPI Industry Passport

5. Assessment System for Employer Training (ASET) Deployment of ASET will create three distinct routes to achievement of the Gold Standard. Route one 1.Learners undertake all of the Gold Standard framework through T2G. Route two 2.Learners achieve partial Gold Standard framework through recognition of employer training. Remaining units/qualifications undertaken through T2G. Route three 3.Learners achieve full Gold Standard profile through recognition of employer training.

6. Skills Pledge It is proposed to construct a Sector Pledge based on employer commitment to aspirational competence as defined by the Gold Standard It is anticipated that 500 Companies from the Cogent Sector would sign up to the Pledge over the next 3 years.

7. EMPLOYER PLEDGE On behalf of, I,, make a commitment that we will: Train our employees to world-class standards, as defined by the Cogent Gold Standard to ensure our employees have world class skills to compete successfully in a global market. Work with partners to gain recognition for company training against national industry standards and close skill gaps where these exist. Work with the National Skills Academy, (NSAN and NSAPI) through participation and take-up of the Academy products.