The development of a more highly skilled workforce, and a greater attachment to learning among the population as a whole, have become central tenets of the government’s drive to generate an increasingly competitive economy. Key aspects of this policy thrust are: (i) the emphasis on increasing qualification attainment and rates of participation in post-16 education and training among young people, with a concomitant increase in participation in higher education; and (ii) the aspirations embodied in the Skills Strategy to enhance the skill levels of the existing workforce, and especially those with few or no qualifications. SQW can contribute to research, evaluation, policy formation and more effective practice related to skills and learning through its expertise in:
- lifelong learning;
- workforce development;
- vocational education and training
- 14-19 education strategies;
- e-learning;
- skill acquisition;
- employers’ selection and recruitment strategies;
- the role of incentives in enhancing participation in learning.
Examples of SQW projects
Review of the Skills for Business network performance monitoring and evaluation framework
SQW was commissioned (with Cambridge Econometrics) to review the performance and evaluation framework and associated scorecard for the Skills for Business network. SQW had initially developed the framework in 2003. The main purpose of the review was to ensure that future evaluation work could be done in the most effective way, and so would build on the first three years of the framework’s implementation and the changing policy context. The main elements of the study were: a review of a range of policy, research and evaluation documents; testing and development of logic chains; consultations with Sector Skills Councils (at Chief Executive level), key sponsor departments and other stakeholders; and reporting and presentations to disseminate the study’s findings and recommendations.
Assessing the impact of the implementation of Sector Skills Agreements
SQW was commissioned by the Quality Improvement Agency for Lifelong Learning (QIA) to explore how colleges and work based learning providers are meeting the challenge of delivering the Sector Skills Agreements. They have provided new support programmes to help providers share good practice and have provided models to improve practice.
Options appraisal for developing a workforce data collection strategy for the learning and skills sector
SQW was commissioned by Lifelong Learning UK Sector Skills Council to contribute to the development of a workforce data collection strategy. The assignment involved reviewing research, interviewing stakeholders, developing scenarios, and identifying the practical and cost implications for implementing different options.
Review of Scottish Enterprise’s e-learning programme.
SQW was commissioned to undertake a detailed evaluation of Scottish Enterprise’s work in e-learning. The Programme comprised a number of projects each aiming to work with the e-learning community in Scotland and to develop greater cohesiveness.
The Workforce Development Project, Northern Ireland
SQW was commissioned by the Further Education National Training Organisation to advise, review and offer practical assistance on the application of the suite of national occupational standards, with respect to workforce development in the 16 colleges and institutes of further and higher education in Northern Ireland. We also assisted in the preparation of a workforce development plan for each college and institute.
Employer engagement in the London labour market
The Department for Work and Pensions commissioned SQW to develop local delivery plans for Jobcentre Plus in London. This included the identification of key local employers and a strategy to engage them