Symposium: The Future of Part Time Vocational Education and Training in Materials

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26th September 2002, Jury's Inn, Birmingham

The numbers of students and trainees entering all branches of engineering are in decline and materials is no exception. As is so often the case, the decline in student numbers threatens the viability of courses. However, in addition, major changes in the structure of vocational education and training is also about to affect the availability of courses and qualifications. Some of the many changes about to affect this sector are:

• The replacement of National Training Organisations in materials with larger Sector Skills Councils
• New frameworks for National and Higher National qualifications offered by BTEC/Edexcel
• Revisions to the criteria for Engineering Council professional qualifications
• Government proposals for foundation degrees

In response to this, the UK Centre for Materials Education is hosting a symposium on the future of part-time vocational education and training in materials. The purpose of the symposium is to inform and to debate the current situation and the impending changes in the sector. The objectives are to:

1. Review the current provision for part-time vocational education and training in materials
2. Hear about impending changes to the structure of training and education
3. Discuss the best way to secure and develop education and training at sub-degree level

The meeting is targeted at academics and training providers, industrialists, and representatives of trade and professional bodies. Formalities will be kept to a minimum and there will be plenty of opportunity for discussion.

Please come along. Your voice and your views are needed on this issue.

 

  

Programme

10:30	Chairman's welcome and introduction
	Peter Goodhew (UK Centre for Materials Education)
10:35	From here to where? - the current status and emerging issues
	John Wilcox (Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining)
10:50	New developments in vocational training
	Peter Hill (Metskills)
11:20	Meeting the needs of industry
	Joe Eason (Corus)
11:35	The new National Certificate in Polymer Technology
	John Fincham (BTEC/Edexcel)
11:55	The new Higher Professional Diploma in Engineering
	John Barr (City & Guilds)
12:15	Discussion
13.00	Conclusions
13.15	Lunch and departure