Sometimes people find the idea of formal qualifications, bits of paper and letters after your name confusing, off-putting or just plain ‘not for me'. The bits of paper however represent a systematic approach to learning to do the job better, at whatever level. Small businesses in particular need staff who are flexible and can perform above and beyond the basics. Accredited qualifications where the learning has been independently assessed by a nationally approved awarding body demonstrate a high level of quality assurance giving you confidence that you and your staff are up to date with new developments.
There is currently a whole range of applications - both academic and professional. The good news is that they are now far more interchangeable, particularly in the field of business and management. If you have acquired professional qualifications through a recognised route, the credits gained are often portable and can be used towards an award in Higher Education or even a full degree. What does this mean? Essentially, when you undertake something which is officially accredited by a professional body or a university you acquire a bankable asset. The credits have a precise value and can be added together to make up a nationally or internationally transportable award. The government is keen to ensure that all qualifications are seen as equally important and has devised ways of measuring and comparing them across the board.
At the University of Hertfordshire, for instance, we offer a variety of qualifications through the Business School. It may be that you want to improve your sales management skills - the Institute of Sales and Marketing Management offer an accredited course tailored to this. An understanding of marketing can be gained through the wide variety of Chartered Institute of Marketing courses. It might be that some financial training is in order. The Chartered Management Institute provide excellent units on a variety of financial and accounting topics that are useful for non-financial managers. Add these credits together and you might be on your way to a qualification offered by the university which you can top up with work based learning (no need even to leave your building!). We have also developed a flexible credit framework acknowledging that people acquire their knowledge in a variety of ways throughout their careers. For instance we can now award credits for learning that has been achieved throughout your working life simply through doing the job. Demonstrate what you know and give us credible evidence and it can be added to the credits you have accumulated. Students who have undertaken the exercise to demonstrate their learning gained through experience have found it useful and enlightening to reflect on what they know and how they have gained the knowledge.
What this all adds up to is a new approach to learning which is about acknowledging that experience and knowledge, however and wherever gained, can and should be valued. Universities and professional institutions do not work in isolation but understand what a modern workforce needs and deserves. They offer a range of ways to become qualified. Why not give it a try?
The University of Hertfordshire offer a range of professionally accredited courses delivered with working professionals in mind, enabling students to fit their studies in around other commitments. For more information on the range of courses we offer, fees, booking and how we may be able to tailor our courses to meet your organisation's specific training needs get in touch with us on the details below:
01707 285552
