130 likes | 319 Views
FdSc Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering. A collaboration between University of Derby Derby College Rolls- Royce plc Angela Dean Assistant Dean University of Derby Dr Patrick Barber Senior Lecturer University of Derby Doug Wibberley Derby College.
E N D
FdSc Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering A collaboration betweenUniversity of Derby Derby College Rolls- Royce plc Angela Dean Assistant Dean University of Derby Dr Patrick Barber Senior Lecturer University of Derby Doug Wibberley Derby College
History of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Education for Rolls-Royce plc in Derby Drivers for Development Development Process Curriculum Operation of the Programme Workbased Learning Pitfalls Encountered Essential Elements of Success Widening Participation Conclusion
Collaborating Partners • University of Derby • Derby College • Rolls-Royce plc
History of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at Derby • University of Derby and Derby College have been educating apprentices in manufacturing and mechanical engineering areas from Rolls-Royce since the formation of the College of Further and Higher Education in 1976. • Educational attainment at ND/HNC/HND and degree level • Approximately 100 engineering students per academic year • Progression to senior technician/lower management levels within the production/engine development areas within Rolls-Royce plc.
Drivers for Development • Introduction of foundation degrees by the government as a more applied and workbased approach than an HNC or HND qualification • Need for education of new entrants to the company from a variety of backgrounds • Introduction of Rolls-Royce’s Higher Apprenticeship • SEMTA • Widening participation policy of the University of Derby • Mission of Derby College
Development of the FdSc in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering • Development Team’s Aims and Objectives • Need to produce a qualification which will address: • Benchmarks in Engineering • Foundation Degree Benchmarks • Business drivers for an appropriate skills base within the company to meet present and future technical and commercial developments • Number of Meetings with Rolls-Royce and Derby College established the curriculum content and delivery modes • Senior Rolls-Royce Managers were consulted • Validation process
Curriculum Areas and Delivery • Mechanical Engineering • Manufacturing Engineering • Engineering Maths (90%+ pass rate) • Engineering Design • Business Management • Use of Mixed Teaching Styles and Blended Learning • Maximise Staff Expertise from all Collaborating Partners
Operation of the Programme • Programme Leader at the University of Derby • Programme Coordinator at Derby College • First 2 years part-time at Derby College with input from University academic staff • Final year part-time at the University of Derby • Progression onto top-up degree at the University of Derby • Industrial Technology • Industrial Technology (Mechanical Engineering)
Operation of Workbased Learning • Integral to the programme • Built in to all the modules • Two workbased modules at Level 4 • Understanding the Working Environment • Professional Development • One double module at Level 5 • Industrial Project Module • Workbased Coordinator at the University of Derby • Contract with Industrial Supervisors at Rolls-Royce • Handbook for academic tutor, industrial supervisor and student • Academic Tutor visits to review progress • Introduction Session for Industrial Supervisors for Level 5 Module
Widening Participation • Students from a wide variety of backgrounds are able to join the programme. • A level entry • Apprentices from vocational programmes at Level 3 • Mature applicants from a variety of businesses within Rolls-Royce • Mature applicants from a range of engineering companies
Pitfalls Encountered • Development of the foundation degree at the University of Derby was a trailblazer for this kind of programme • Validation panels did not understand the concept of foundation degrees within a technical area • Managers within Rolls-Royce also needed to be educated as to the benefits of a foundation degree over traditional engineering qualifications • Students were also cautious of the new qualification and how it differed from a traditional HNC/D programme.
Essential Elements for Success • A programme that answers the skills requirements of Rolls-Royce plc and other businesses and is seen as relevant and worthwhile • Regular meetings with Rolls-Royce, Derby College and University of Derby • Rolls-Royce plc managers committed to the workbased learning elements of the programme • Clear and unambiguous documentation for academic staff, students and industrial supervisors • Staff development programmes for university and college academic staff • Promotional activities to ensure that managers are aware of the benefits of a foundation degree
Conclusion • A stable programme which is now in its second year of operation • A programme that makes maximum use of all parties resources • A programme which answers the needs of Rolls-Royce plc • Seamless transition between College and University