Consultants Pye Tait were commissioned by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) to investigate employer demand for intermediate technical higher education (HE) - both to understand the nature of provision and to test whether there is latent demand. The study came about because of evidence (particularly from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) showing that the UK has relatively low proportions of this type of provision, yet there is demand in the economy for intermediate-level skills. Intermediate higher education comprises qualifications at Levels 4 a
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Consultants Pye Tait were commissioned by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) to investigate employer demand for intermediate technical higher education (HE) - both to understand the nature of provision and to test whether there is latent demand. The study came about because of evidence (particularly from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) showing that the UK has relatively low proportions of this type of provision, yet there is demand in the economy for intermediate-level skills. Intermediate higher education comprises qualifications at Levels 4 and 5 on the Framework for Higher Education Qualification (FHEQ) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. These qualifications are also described as 'other undergraduate' (OUG) qualifications and are: Higher National Certificates (HNCs); Higher National Diplomas (HNDs); Diplomas of Higher Education (DipHEs); and Foundation Degrees (FDs). Features in common include the integration of work experience or workplace learning with academic study, and the opportunity to progress onto a full undergraduate degree with further study (foundation degrees in particular). The purpose of this research was to concentrate on those qualifications with a technical focus; [the authors] have broadly defined these qualifications as covering science, engineering, technical and mathematics (STEM) subjects.
The key findings of the report are: (1) it is difficult to define the market for intermediate technical HE qualifications - they are not necessarily a good proxy for the technician role in the economy, which is diverse; (2) employers are aware of the different types of intermediate qualifications, but few employers in the survey recruit from this level, and employers do not fully understand their distinctive purpose; (3) employers generally recruit graduates from Level 6 for technician roles despite not requiring this level for the job, and this practice is increasing; recruiting graduates from Level 6 is largely due to prestige of degrees and the ready supply of graduates; (4) however, evidence also suggests that employers have some concerns that graduate skills are less suitable for technician-level roles; apprenticeship routes and work experience are particularly valued for technician roles; (5) barriers to future demand for intermediate qualifications include: a complex system which means employers lack understanding of the value of such qualifications to their organisation; limited promotion of such qualifications (with information, advice and guidance being focused on HE aspirations); the lack of prestige associated with intermediate qualifications; the current funding regime; and new developments, such as degree apprenticeships, potentially adding to the confusion for employers. Over recent years, the numbers of students studying sub-degree level qualifications in higher education has declined, including part-time students. This report forms part of the evidence base for institutions, employers and policy-makers to reflect on the nature of intermediate level higher education that would best meet the needs of the economy and society.
Edited excerpts from publisher's website and publication.
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