This week our Director (Mr Dogsbody to you) was asked to be an industry expert for the revalidation of a Foundation Degree in Computing for University Centre Yeovil.  This was a fascinating experience which showed the commitment that education has to make to it’s students.

Computing is a fast changing industry.  What is taught at a Master’s degree level one year can soon be taught at a Foundation Degree level a few years later.  It is vital that academic institutions keep up to date with what is going on in the real world.

The revalidation of Yeovil’s foundation degree came after a complete re-write of the unit specifications for the entire course.  Independent people are bought in to help with the revalidation and make sure the content is at the right level.  As part of the event the panel get to talk to students at the institution as well as local employers that hire them.  The day showed how it was possible for the students to learn what the employers needed while employers could gain skilled people and support the local economy.

What impressed us the most was how the Yeovil College and University Centre Yeovil had tied their courses together allowing for an easy progression from an Apprenticeship to a Foundation Degree and hopefully soon a Full Degree.  We use Yeovil College for our apprentice scheme and actively encourage all of our staff to further their education 🙂