UKCES

Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) are developing sector specific solutions through the Sector Skills Agreements (SSAs) to influence curriculum development in further and higher education. These include products such as qualification endorsement schemes, innovative qualifications or evidence based 'levers' in skills analysis to influence funders and quality assurance agents.
 
Foundation Degree Frameworks are being developed by Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) to aid the development of Foundation Degrees by higher/further education institutions. These are being funded by Foundation Degree Forward.
 
The HE Academy fund 'subject centres' - these are helpful brokers to influence change in the higher education curricula and a mapping document has been produced. For further information please contact the Quality Assurance Agency.

Apprenticeships/Modern Apprenticeships – links to Foundation Degrees through progression. They are also part of Advanced Apprenticeships as the underpinning knowledge and academic principles. They work alongside the NVQ to give employers both technical skills and academic knowledge.

National Occupational Standards (NOS) – links to Foundation Degrees as they are used within the tool box of design principles. Foundation Degree Frameworks are guidance documents to help higher education 'providers' develop Foundation Degrees with employers. The Framework gives guidance on the use of NOS in Foundation Degrees.

Sector Qualification Strategies (SQS) – links to Foundation Degrees within Sector Qualifications Strategies.

Credit and Qualifications Frameworks – links to Foundation Degrees. Foundation Degrees attract 250 credits in higher education.

For further information:

14-19 Curriculum or Apprenticeships - Judith Compton, Head of Standards and Qualifications judith.compton@ukces.org.uk

NOS - Phil Craven, Head of NOS phil.craven@ukces.org.uk