Your team’s “next generation of success” delivered by our HE partners

Steven Osborne

Principal Lecturer, Cardiff Metropolitan University

Lisa Binney

Senior Lecturer, Solent University

A higher education perspective

Steven and Lisa began by introducing themselves and their career paths to date. They both talked about the CIMSPA endorsement of degrees. Together, they explained why it is so important for the employability of students and the role that employers have on encouraging the next generation to have clear pathways into employment.

Steven went on to talk about Cardiff Metropolitan University which he proudly said was “the first university to get a CIMSPA endorsed degree”. He continued “now there are a total of 17 universities committed to endorsing their programmes against CIMSPA professional standards and the endorsement process”.

The pair also spoke about the growth of CIMSPA memberships. Since 2017, CIMSPA has grown from 3063 members to 12,000 members (January 2020). This growth of membership is a testament to the work of CIMSPA and the sectors commitment to aligning themselves with it. With universities and employers committed to listening to the needs of one another and supporting the next generation with clear career pathways post education.

Aligning degrees with professional standards

Having both spoken about how they have embedded the CIMSPA endorsement into their degrees and the different ways of doing so they went on to discuss work based learning. This initiative has been led by employers ensuring students receive the right levels of experience and skills before being deployed post studies.

Both Solent University and Cardiff Metropolitan University adopt similar methods to work based learning, bringing in local schools, and running community events led and run by students during various phases of their studies.

With employer led skills now being a focal part of degree programmes both universities are future proofing their courses and the careers of their students. This includes looking at enterprise and entrepreneurial skills of students that can support “the creativity of thinking in this mindset.” These skills will be necessary to drive the industry and take it to the next level.

An aligned sector is key to success

At the end, Steven and Lisa reiterated the importance of the entire sector listening to the needs of our employers and using the CIMSPA professional standards to support those in education. Together, these are providing those in the education with the right education to fulfil the right qualifications and be deployed in the right role.

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