Building your foundation for the future

Foundation degrees are higher education qualifications that combine academic study with on-the-job experience developing students’ skills and career prospects whilst benefitting employers and their business.

Employers can become involved in many ways. They can have input in the design, development and delivery of foundation degrees, influencing what students are taught and how they are trained. They can also support their own employees during the foundation degree programme, helping them to development new higher level skills, all with little or no impact on your business.

Many employers who have been involved in supporting their employees through the foundation degree programme have reported an increase in employee motivation, improved staff retention, the generation of business solutions and new ideas, and the sharing of skills and knowledge across the entire workforce.

Alternatively, employers can offer a work placement to a foundation degree student which can bring great rewards and benefits to their business as well as affording the opportunity to play an active role in helping to train and shape the workforce of the future. Several employers choose to employ foundation degree graduates after they have completed their studies given that graduates come equipped with a strong mix of academic knowledge, sector-specific technical skills and relevant work-related experience which can be a great addition to any business. Further information on foundation degrees can be found at www.nidirect.gov.uk/skills