West London Institute of Technology Introduces Pearson's HN Flex for Construction Curriculum
Posted on 30th November 2020 at 15:19
There are only 12 Institutes of Technology in the UK, and West London IoT was the first IoT to open in September 2019. Institutes of Technology were set up by the government to tackle the skill gaps in the STEM sector, and to increase the nation's productivity.
West London IoT is an employer-focused institution offering higher technical education in construction, digital and engineering. West London IoT and lead partner HCUC work in partnership with Brunel University London and employers Fujitsu, Heathrow and West London Business in designing courses that provide students with the skills and knowledge needed in industry.
West London IoT is now offering Pearson’s HN Flex, alongside their current HNC and HND courses. HN Flex provides students with the ability to study bite sized knowledge, skills and behaviour units from Higher National Qualifications at Level 4 and 5. For students looking to upskill in their current role, reskill in a new area or seeking Continued Professional Development (CPD), HN Flex provides progression opportunities through learning relevant industry skills.
As part of the Construction curriculum, West London IoT is now running sustainable Construction and Building Services HE bite size short courses in building information modelling, measuring and estimating, tendering and procurement and alternative energy. These short courses are particularly relevant in today’s climate, with sustainability being an important trend in the construction industry.
West London IoT currently offers the following unit:
Unit 4 - R/615/1390 (Construction Practice & Management)at Level 4
HN Flex has multiple benefits for students:
Recently, West London IoT hosted its first virtual open day providing potential students with insight into the courses currently on offer, student experiences and the benefits of studying at West London IoT. View the recording here.
In addition to ensuring students benefit from West London IoT courses; it is just as important that employers do too. West London IoT is here to meet the current and future needs of employers in the STEM industries. The benefits to employers include:
- Tackle current skill gaps and prepare for future skill needs
- Develop and retain local talent, reducing the need to recruit out of the region
- Industry standard, specialist training facilities situated in an accessible location
- Learning provision tailored to the needs of employers
- Opportunity to retrain and upskill existing staff through high-quality provision and assist them to gain prestigious and industry specific qualifications
- Attract new talent to the digital, engineering and construction sectors by working with students that are gaining the skills you need
- Provide strategic leadership across STEM provision
- Develop a pipeline of future talent that is qualified and ready to work in your business
We work closely with a number of employers in the computing, construction and digital sectors who form our Employer Advisory Group (EAG). They work with us to ensure that the curriculum content meets industry needs. The group’s remit includes:
Providing insight into sector trends and labour market
Assisting in the development of curriculum
Providing placements and masterclasses for students to gain first-hand skills and experience
Presenting students with opportunities to work on real life projects and business challenges - either in the workplace or in the classroom
Guest lecturing and industry talks
Supporting teachers and staff with developmental sector-based knowledge
Taking part in WLIoT events
Supporting marketing activity.
Employers are at the heart of WLIoT, and it is of high importance that we have employers on board to advise on the skills needed and help develop a thriving future for the STEM sectors. If you are interested in joining the WLIoT Employer Advisory Group, please submit our partner form.
More information on HN Flex and the units offered will be on our website soon.
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