Our work in action
Testing the market, providing new, relevant and flexible learning for employers and making transformational changes in our learning providers. Here is the Centre for Work and Learning in action. Case studies of the experience of employers and employees on our courses, of apprentices progressing to higher education, of practitioners developing curriculum, of market research projects and much more.
Our work with employers
A flexible approach to HE
The Sussex Innovation Centre is a "business incubator", and, as such, is keen to give its resident enterprises the opportunity for staff to study for an MBA. But with a broad and diverse range of skills and disciplines in operation at the centre, the businesses found it difficult to commit individuals to take on the whole programme.
Enhancing the quality of in-house training
Many companies provide in-house training for their staff – but those that do have to ensure their programmes can match or exceed the quality of courses offered by outside organisations, in order to retain their key staff. When the Priory Group realised this, the answer lay in a perfect partnership with the University of Brighton.
Tailoring training for large organisations
The NHS is undergoing major reforms, and the managers in its primary care trusts are expected to develop appropriate skills in order to provide leadership and strategic direction. When the Sussex Partnership NHS Trust needed an MBA programme to develop these skills, they turned to the University of Sussex for help.
Flexible and relevant CPD to fill skills gaps
When local IT company Beaming wanted to give its staff the chance to train flexibly using a degree-level curriculum, Sussex Coast College Hastings stepped in to provide the solution.
Improving leadership performance
When engineering firm Cameron Measurement Systems needed a foundation degree programme tailored individually to improve the management skills of its staff, the University of Chichester provided all the flexibility it was looking for.
Developing your higher skills at work
Having been out of full-time education for some years, Brian Gedny was unsure about engaging in higher education. Already in a management position, he was keen to improve on his skills but was undecided about which course to take.
Making work-based training really work
IT Services specialist FDM was keen to enhance its in-house training programme by providing a recognised qualification for its Software Development employees. So it called in the experts from the University of Brighton to assist in developing the programme.
Bridging the skills gap
A unique collaboration between the University of Brighton, a consortium of local authorities and a group of civil engineering firms has led to the creation of a new work-based postgraduate MSc degree, designed specifically to prepare students for work with council highways departments and private-sector contractors.
Pioneering a new approach to dementia care
A new course teaching and promoting "person-centred" care for those living with dementia has revolutionised the way the region's healthcare practitioners address the issues surrounding the condition.
"This programme supported our staff in one of the most difficult times in their working lives"
When a radical change in its service delivery highlighted an urgent need to improve the leadership skills and knowledge of managers at Brighton & Hove’s Adult and Children’s Services, the city council found the ideal solution, thanks to an accredited programme delivered by the University of Chichester.
Teaching the teachers
The Higher Education (HE) environment is constantly evolving, and as an increasing number of Further Education (FE) colleges start to deliver qualifications at an HE level, it has become necessary to improve the skills of FE lecturers in order to achieve results. This need was identified by the teacher training tutor and the HE manager at Sussex Downs College who then worked with University to develop and get a new module validated.
Responding to the needs of a changing industry
The global business travel sector exists within an ever-shifting environment, as issues of best practice and economic conditions affect its operations almost on a daily basis. In these circumstances it is crucial that its practitioners stay ahead of the game – a necessity that is being fulfilled by a new course developed by the University of Brighton for the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA).
New course for fundraisers provides huge return on investment
An extensive evaluation of a new fundraising course developed by the University of Chichester for Voluntary and Community Action Chichester (VCACD) has demonstrated a highly positive impact on participants and a quantified return on investment of 198 per cent – a figure that is set to rise over time.
Our work with learning providers
Sussex Coast College Hastings tested the market for higher level IT courses in the private and public sectors.
Sussex Downs College and Sussex Coast College Hastings undertook research into the needs of the complementary health sector across Sussex.
Northbrook College Sussex explored the health and social care sector and came up with some specific answers to meet the needs of this market.
University of Brighton created a specialised course in response to a particular market need from further education colleges to improve the skills of their lecturers when teaching higher education.
The University of Chichester and Chichester College researched the potential for developing qualifications for sales managers across West Sussex.
City College Brighton and Hove undertook market research to increase their understanding of the hospitality, tourism, travel and events sector in the city.
Sussex Learning Network and partners commissioned Irena Snowden to investigate the demand for training requirements for higher level skills in the construction and related industries sector in the East Sussex area.
Our work with learners
Nationally, some 13% of advanced apprentices enter higher education within four years of completing their apprenticeship framework. Read how higher education is benefitting Vinnie (engineering), Ben (construction), Ali and Michele (accounting), Becca (early years education) and Emma (business and administration).
Our Newsletter
Want to know more? Could we help you improve your business' performance through improving your people? Are you a higher education practitioner who needs help in making your learning flexible and suited for employers? Centre for Work and Learning reports its activities in the Sussex Learning Network newsletter.
For all enquiries, contact us on cwlenquiries@brighton.ac.uk or call 01273 641 090