Cogent Sector Skills Council proposals on Skills Development

Cogent Sector Skills Council held meetings on 10 May at East Kilbride to seek the views of employers and providers of education and training on proposals for skills development.

Because the Modern Apprenticeship in Polymer Processing is underutilised in Scotland, Cogent may decide to discontinue this provision when the framework comes up for renewal later this year. Even if the framework is renewed, Cogent is proposing to drop the HNC requirement from the full Modern Apprenticeship in Polymers. To encourage more uptake of apprenticeships, Cogent is proposing to introduce a Modern Apprenticeship at Level 2 in both Polymer Processing and Signmaking. This would be completed in 12 months with minimal off-the-job element.

Employers would like to see specialist units, for individual polymer processes, which could be tacked onto the standard Engineering MA.

The disappointing level of engagement between Cogent and employers needs to be addressed. It is accepted that Cogent does not have the funding to make the frequency of company visits that were achieved in the good old days of the Industrial Training Boards and the levy funding, but Cogent was encouraged to work with the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service, which enjoys a good reputation with employers in Scotland.

The meeting with providers consisted of dissemination of information from Cogent on the range of units arising from the recent revision of the National Occupational Standards and the introduction of a Foundation Degree in England but the future of polymer provision in Scotland was not addressed and discussed in any depth. Likewise, higher level skills did not feature in the discussions.

Cogent Sector Skills Council www.cogent-ssc.com

Report by Charlie Geddes SPRA Hon Secretary May 2011