Policy Advice & Research - Profile and Capability of Applied / Vocational Science

OVERALL AIM OF THE STUDY: 

To establish a baseline position on the extent of, and the current strengths in, the provision of Applied / Vocational Science at levels 3 and 4 in FE Colleges in England.

Appliance of Science Report is available here.

Preparing for the Future: Applied/Vocational Science Report is available here.

KEY QUESTIONS THAT HAVE BEEN INVESTIGATED ARE:

What is the range and type of intermediate level skills' provision in applied / vocational science across the FE sector?

What is the state of readiness of FE Colleges to deliver applied / vocational science that meet current industrial needs and anticipate future scientific developments?

Do FE Colleges have the capacity to respond to contemporary challenges that impact scientific developments?

What are the key barriers to entry on to, and progression from, intermediate level programmes (L3 /L4) in applied / vocational sciences?

What more could be done at policy-maker level to increase and improve the applied / vocational science provision at the intermediate level?

RATIONALE:

Applied / vocational science covers a broad spectrum of occupational subjects including amongst others Physical Science Applications; Chemistry Applications; Biological and Microbiological Systems; Environmental Science; Forensic Science Applications; Science in Medicine; Genetics and Genetic Engineering; Physiological Measurements; Scientific Principles and Instrumentations. However, there is a general lack of clarity in what applied and vocational sciences mean to a number of institutions and government agencies.

Unfortunately the FE sector suffers from a lack of a strategy and development to address and build a capability in applied and vocational science at the intermediate level.

Whilst science is taught by many FE colleges in vocational areas such as engineering, construction, health studies and food studies, the number of courses that have applied sciences as the prominent area of study is considered to be limited.   

FE colleges such as Basingstoke College of Technology, City of Sunderland College, Kingston College and St. Helen's College have introduced innovative applied science programmes that provide school leavers with the opportunity to gain employment in their local areas (e.g. environmental science).  However, the breadth and depth of this provision throughout the sector at the intermediate level is unknown, and therefore, the challenges that face the FE sector in building capability, and delivering provision in applied and vocational science are also unknown. The Royal Society's report in 2006: "A degree of concern? UK first degrees in science, technology and mathematics" has mainly focused on the 'A' level route to university entry, totally missing out on the vocational route though Intermediate Level qualifications.

Given the importance of applied/vocational science to the UK's economy now and in the future, the research has sought to establish a baseline position on the capability of colleges, and their staff to provide relevant vocational science programmes at levels 3 and 4.  In doing so, the research also sought industrial views and assess current polices towards building a science based workforce.