1. Sarah Charles Course Leader FdA Fashion Principal Lecturer @ The Arts Institute Bournemouth.

2. FdA’s what are they ? Introduced by DfES in 2000. Why ? To address shortages within the labor market. Contribute to WP agenda. Award ? Intermediate level (FHEQ)

3. Why a Fashion Foundation Degree at the AIB? government’s white paper to develop FdA’s in the HE sector. rate of creative industries sector expansion. demand for art and design education. AIB strong tradition of vocational education.

4. Supply and Demand. recognition UK top exporter of design. Strong industry focus ‘sadly lacking in fashion education’ Large retailers identified need for flexibility,adaptability,independence, technical and business skills.

5. Nationally and Globally. UK fashion industry 4th largest in the world Applications for FdA’s steadily risen. Further enhance the S.o.D portfolio. Tap into well established industry links.

6. Key Features. Integration of academic /WBL through collaboration between employers and Institute. Design appeals to those entering/seeking professional development. Possibility of ‘earn and learn’

7. Key features cont…. Informed by SSC(s) Stand alone qualification but also provides opportunities for further study.

8. Defining Characteristics. Employer involvement Accessibility(wp,p/t,community) Articulation and progression Flexibility Partnership Nb. Not unique but integration distinctive.

9. Operational Process and Key Dates. Summer ‘02 initial discussions/proposal. Investigation local,regional,national fashion industry. Demand assessed. SSC consultation gaps and trends. Initial documentation went ‘public’.

10. Operation cont…. Well received academics /industry alike. Initial document submitted for approval prior to validation. External members invited to input/comment. First ILG meeting held. Validation event.

11. First cohort. 2003/4 1st year successfully completed. May 2005 successful QAA Review of FdA Fashion. July 2005 1st graduating cohort, 60% exit 40% articulate. July 2006 1st graduating group of articulated students.

12. Placement process. Compulsory unit introduce through PPRD1 in 1st year. Students briefed. Handbook letter,H&S,feedback form, placement policy.

13. Process cont….. Unit handbook. Learning agreement Hosts contacted ‘bring and buy’ Student/employee contact. Official letter. Learning agreement signed off..

14. Cont…… Dates and accommodation confirmed Contact details student and mentor confirmed/documented. Updated company registration form. Placement…….. Visits. Employers report. Student thanks. Official thanks. Presentations. Assessment.

15. What the students say….. “I really did some of the stuff you have been teaching us” “I made some good friends,they were sad to see me go” “the first day I couldn’t believe I was actually in Debenhams design department” “they really gave me proper jobs, not just photocopying”

16. QAA review. Identified good practice /innovative features. Close links with employers. Good quality placements. Integration and support of WBL and WRL. Commitment to WP Development of technical/specific skills. Integration of academic and WBL.

17. Benefits to the AIB. Produces students with solid relevant and appropriate level of skills. Contributes to WP strategy. Demonstrates forward thinking and innovative teaching. Alumni -early but proven on other courses.

18. What next ? Develop further strong links with local, national employers. Promote FdA’s. Develop links with academic bodies/ councils. Maintain monitor and evaluate. Share good practice.