Dreams and Bucks New University get into bed for degree first
Buckinghamshire New University is to provide
work-based degree level education for employees at Britain’s
leading bed specialist, Dreams.
The Foundation Degree Retail Management will
enable Dreams’ staff to undertake a Government-backed qualification
which recognises the training they have already undertaken. The new
course incorporates the existing Dreams Training Package which is
offered to new staff in the organisation, and builds upon
Buckinghamshire New University’s reputation for developing modern
vocational degrees that meet the needs of employers.
Dr Ruth Farwell, Vice Chancellor of
Buckinghamshire New University, said: “We pride ourselves on our
work-based Foundation Degrees that are designed in conjunction with
employers, and enable students to gain qualifications whilst they
are working and on the basis of their work experience. Offering
Dreams’ managers this opportunity is a natural extension of our
work, especially since Dreams’ head office is in our home town. It
fits perfectly with the Government’s drive for greater
participation in higher education and the need to enhance the
skills base of the nation.
“Whilst we recognise the impetus behind the
decision to allow companies such as McDonald’s to award their own
qualifications, we believe that it is better for employers to
partner with universities in initiatives such as this one.”
The new Foundation Degree recognises Dreams’
commitment to staff training. Mike Clare, Founder and President of
Dreams said: “Dreams has always adopted a strategy based on
building strong relationships. This has worked exceptionally well
with Buckinghamshire New University - after all many of our staff
attended the University.
“The University's pragmatic approach and
understanding of the challenges we face has enabled us to launch a
development programme which will enable staff to continue their
education whilst also focusing on their careers. The Foundation
Degree in Retail Management is a great way of demonstrating the
importance we place on the retention of good people, and how
important the University has been in this process".
Nick Worthington, Chief Executive of Dreams
added: “The Foundation Degree with Bucks New University is a
fantastic way of giving value and recognition to our staff for
their work done to date and assisting with their personal growth.
In return we will reap the benefits of increased skills and
ability, maximise retention and allow our future stars to
shine.”
The course will commence in mid April, with 12
Dreams managers taking part. The staff have been specially selected
to fast-track through the Foundation Degree in one year. It is
hoped to roll out a two-year qualification to Dreams’ employees
nationally. The course has been designed according to the
guidelines laid down by Foundation Degree Forward, the national
body that supports the development and validation of
Foundation Degrees, and Skillsmart Retail, the Sector Skills
Council that promotes skills development in retail.
Editor’s notes:
Foundation degrees were first
introduced in 2001. They are designed to reduce skills shortages in
the workplace, and work-based Foundation Degrees enable students to
study whilst they are working. Successful students are able to
progress to honours degree courses and/or management
qualifications.
Foundation Degree
Forward (fdf) is
a national body that supports the development and
validation of high quality Foundation Degrees. It is funded by
the Higher Education Funding Council for England to support
employer engagement across higher education programmes generally
and in relation to Foundation Degrees specifically. Website:
http://www.fdf.ac.uk/
Buckinghamshire New
University is the only state-funded higher education
institution in Buckinghamshire. It has enjoyed a long and
successful history since it was founded in 1893. The University now
offers a range of exciting and innovative awards not widely
available in the sector, from commercial pilot training to music
industry management, textiles and furniture. Its faculties are
aligned to employment markets: creative and cultural industries;
the management and information management sectors; and the public
sector. Website: http://www.bucks.ac.uk/
The University currently offers Foundation Degrees in: Business &
Finance; Business
Management; Community Development; Computing; Crowd &
Safety Management; Dance Teaching; Engineering; Project Management;
Retail Management; Protective Security
Management; Sport & Leisure Management; and Television
Production.
The Faculty of Enterprise &
Innovation offers a broad range of academic programmes and
vocational courses made possible through excellent industry
links. Specialist programmes and work-based Foundation Degrees
have the support of the relevant Sector Skills Councils, government
agencies and trade associations and have attracted leading industry
executives. For further information see: www.bucks.ac.uk/pdf/enterprise_&_innovation.pdf
For further information, interviews or
images, please contact:
Carrie Kingsman, PR Manager at Dreams PLC, on
01628 535628, email carriekingsman@dreams.co.uk
Or Anne Whitehouse, Head of Corporate
Communications, Buckinghamshire New University, on 01494 605249,
email anne.whitehouse@bucks.ac.uk