9 Priorities for Action
Previous Page | Contents Page | Next Page
Priorities for Action
Following consultation with industry, these are Skillset's immediate priorities for action in the Photo Imaging sector:
Priorities for Action
Following consultation with industry, these are Skillset's immediate priorities for action in the Photo Imaging sector:
-
Develop a Foundation Degree Framework for Photo Imaging
- a regularly updated news and events page
- descriptions of the wide variety of job roles in the sector, plus supporting case studies
- access to the full suite of National Occupational Standards, with information about how to make best use of them
- recent research and data about the sector and its workforce
- factsheets and articles about industry issues
- details about short courses, seminars and workshops
- links to the associations and professional bodies active in the sector
- information about college courses and qualifications
- examples of best practice, both in education and industry
This project will deliver a guidance framework for use by colleges and universities aiming to offer a Foundation Degree in any aspect of Photo Imaging. Using intensive targeted research and industry focus groups, it will provide sector specific information and direction, with particular emphasis on employer engagement issues and industry-led course content requirements. This work started in October 2005 and will be completed by March 2006. Foundation Degrees are distinctive because they respond to employer demand by involving employers in the design and delivery of the courses and are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for. The resulting framework will aim to foster closer collaborative links between industry and Higher Education and offer ongoing opportunities for industry to inform the design of vocational education relevant to their sector.
Review and revise the National Occupational Standards for the sector
Skillset has just completed an interim review and gap analysis of the current Standards and has successfully bid for funds to carry out a full review in 2006. This work will take approximately twelve months and require industry participation through Working Groups and general consultation to provide robust and up to date intelligence about the tasks, knowledge and skills needed to effectively perform the wide variety of job roles within the Photo Imaging industry. This review will also examine the S/NVQ structures and assessment strategy, and will in turn inform the development of improved Careers IAG (information, advice and guidance) for the sector. In addition, the new design, layout and improved presentation of the finished suite will assist Skillset in promoting the many uses that can be made of Standards throughout the industry.
Work with Awarding Bodies to review provision of their current suite of vocational Photo Imaging qualifications
Approval for the current City & Guilds vocational qualifications (6922, 6923, 6924 and 7490) expires in October 2007. Between now and then, Skillset will work with City & Guilds to assist them in canvassing industry opinion about the relevance and accessibility of these qualifications. City & Guilds will also be researching learner needs and views, and reassessing the current network of providers and centres. Skillset will seek to carry out similar work in association with other relevant Awarding Bodies as well as SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority) who award the current SVQs.
Facilitate better links between colleges and industry
Skillset will actively work with both parties to encourage partnerships for mutual benefit and will, where appropriate, share the findings of any industry (or other) Focus groups and research to enable such relationships to develop and prosper. In addition, Skillset are keen to broker and support seminars and training days that provide opportunities for industry professionals to provide information about technological developments, demonstrate new products and share good working practice. Such events would give students, lecturers and industry practitioners regular access to both current and potential industry developments and foster a continuing information exchange.
Develop an accreditation scheme for short courses
In response to intelligence gained during the development of this strategy, Skillset is developing a pilot scheme to approve a small bank of private providers who are able to offer a range of sub-sector specific digital management courses. This will give individuals and companies clear signposting towards courses aimed at meeting immediate skills gaps, that are industry relevant, well taught and managed and offer value for money. A Working Group has been formed to define outline criteria and Skillset are currently producing guidelines for providers, in consultation with industry, prior to inviting applications from potential providers. A benefits package for providers is also being researched. If this pilot scheme is successful, further subject areas and more providers can be considered.
Investigate the barriers faced by industry with regard to Apprenticeships and NVQs in England and Wales
Skillset will continue to address the issues surrounding funding and delivery of these qualifications. This will include continuing the dialogues begun with regional and local LSCs (Learning and Skills Councils) and exploring franchising mechanisms between colleges and private training providers. Expressions of interest from learners, employers and providers are required, in order to gauge demand and assess regional supply potential.
Develop business skills solutions
Skillset will work to improve links between business support agencies and the photo imaging industry, by developing ways to assist companies and freelancers in accessing business skills training - e.g. by identifying solutions, providing bespoke packages, sharing good practice, and offering appropriate advice and detailed business support - particularly in areas such as management, leadership and financial awareness. It is hoped that the Trade Associations and Professional Bodies will play a key role in providing links and intelligence regarding the priority areas within the various sub sectors of the Photo Imaging industry.
Website development
Skillset will continue to develop the Photo Imaging section of its website, at www.skillset.org/photo, to provide an invaluable resource of information and guidance on all issues relevant to the skills, training and learning needs of the sector.
This will include:
