1. www.derby.ac.uk UVAC Annual Conference York 2010 Professor John Coyne Vice-Chancellor University of Derby

2. www.derby.ac.uk We live in ‘interesting’ times…. A glance at higher level skills in a post-Browne world –Where are we coming from? –Where are we going to? –What are the characteristics of this paradigm shift? –What do they mean for higher level skills and the support of higher vocational endeavour?

3. www.derby.ac.uk What does our economy/society face? Competition in the global economy The need to move up the value chain Economic/cultural evolution of the UK economy The need to meet the economic, social and cultural aspirations of a mature economy The role that ‘higher level’ skills can play in value creation

4. www.derby.ac.uk So, what chance for those already in work? How do you compete? How do you keep pace and refresh learning? Is it any wonder we are worried enough to need action! It makes the Leitch ambition seem modest!!

5. www.derby.ac.uk Anybody remember Leitch? 95 per cent of adults to achieve the basic skills of functional literacy and numeracy, an increase from levels of 85 per cent literacy and 79 per cent numeracy in 2005 Exceeding 90 per cent of adults qualified to at least Level 2, an increase from 69 per cent in 2005. A commitment to go further and achieve 95 per cent as soon as possible Shifting the balance of intermediate skills from Level 2 to Level 3. Improving the esteem, quantity and quality of intermediate skills. This means 1.9 million additional Level 3 attainments over the period and boosting the number of Apprentices to 500,000 a year Exceeding 40 per cent of adults qualified to Level 4 and above, up from 29 per cent in 2005, with a commitment to continue progression

6. www.derby.ac.uk Why this should matter more than ever now? Building recovery after the global meltdown UK was hardest hit – why? –Open –Global –Financial services key sector Higher level skills are needed to build a robust post recession economy Note that other economies are increasing investment

7. www.derby.ac.uk Some generic issues for HE and the role it can play The very concept of higher level skills challenges many of the ‘conventions’ within universities –Structures and methods of delivery –Finding then meeting the need –Balancing competing priorities –Academic v skills –Intra mures v in company

8. www.derby.ac.uk What is expected of universities and how do they adapt?

9. www.derby.ac.uk The University of Derby response Understand where we are in this quadrant Determine internal capabilities and competencies Understand strategic direction and opportunity Identify and understand mechanisms, partners and channels to market Understand what the market wants Configure to provide it!

10. www.derby.ac.uk Work based learning will be a vital part of our future

11. www.derby.ac.uk Characteristics Flexible, work-based routes to university qualifications The place of work is the classroom/laboratory A shift from teaching and instruction to learning A shift from direction to guidance Not a supply-side model - the learner/company is at the heart of the process Negotiation to meet the individual and organisational needs within a quality assured framework

12. www.derby.ac.uk What have we learned so far? Specific targets need specific focus It is difficult You can end up being very complex The funding model and business model need to be resolved –Bespoke is costly –Flexibility is a challenge We have to educate both learners/employers about true costs and prices

13. www.derby.ac.uk How can we address these issues? By learning together –Educate the market –Develop and share common platforms/content to lower curriculum costs –Harness e-capabilities –Encourage promoters of policy to invest in the outcomes –Re-use learning objects