FIFE College will team up with Edinburgh Napier University to help businesses upskill their workforce using a new degree initiative.
In a first for the region, Fife College’s University Hub in Dunfermline will host an innovative top-up degree programme in the autumn, run by Edinburgh Napier University with business support from the Fife Economy Partnership.
The Bachelor of Arts Business and Enterprise degree programme will enable local businesses to support their workforce through personal development.
Maggie Anderson, Lecturer in Entrepreneurship, Edinburgh Napier University
Pamela Stevenson, Lead Officer Enterprise and Business Development, Fife Council
Iain Hawker, Assistant Principal, Fife College
Bryan McCabe-Bell, Director of Business, Enterprise and Tourism, Fife College
The improved capability that the businesses will gain from the enhanced expertise of their workforce is being recognised as an important element of business sustainability and competitiveness.
Pamela Stevenson, Lead officer for Enterprise and Business Development at Fife Council Economic Development said: “This locally delivered degree programme provides an excellent way for businesses to upskill their workforce and develop their future management team needs.
“Business planning and entrepreneurial leadership development skills, which build on work-based learning and enhance the organisation’s capability even while studying, are a fantastic opportunity for businesses.”
The year-long programme is available for those in work either employed or self-employed, who have relevant work experience and an HND or equivalent qualification.
An information day is being held at the University Hub, within Carnegie Conference Centre, Dunfermline on 20 June, when interested business owners, directors and employees can drop in to learn more.
Using practical work-based content, the programme develops business, management and enterprise skills and leads to the award of a BA degree, which enhances participants’ career opportunities.
Identified key strengths of the programme include developing entrepreneurial, leadership and innovation skills which together will help drive the economic growth of businesses.
Sharon Johnstone, Area Manager with Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre in Glenrothes, Fife is a previous graduate of the on-campus course run by Edinburgh Napier University.
She said: “The course really added value to my career. The key aspects I gained were a broader scope of knowledge around corporate strategy and the importance of knowing the business environment in which you operate.”
The Programme involves a combination of assessments, workshops and independent study, with attendance one-day per month at the Fife College University Hub in Dunfermline. Assessments are practical and applied, including reports around work roles, work-place based assignments, presentations and case studies.
Iain Hawker, Assistant Principal at Fife College said: “We are proud of our record working with local employers to develop high impact training and professional development.
By delivering this Programme online and with one day per month at the Fife College University Hub, Dunfermline, local businesses have the chance to make a real difference to the career opportunities of key staff, with a minimum of disruption to work routines and personal life.”
