Home > News > November 2004 > 24-Nov-2004

Positive feedback for CoVEs in new report

More than four in five employers rated the training provided by the Learning and Skills Council's Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) as "excellent'" or "good", according to a new report.

The research, carried out by GHK Consulting Ltd, surveyed more than 500 employers involved in the CoVE programme about the quality and value the training provided.

CoVEs are designed as centres of vocational learning and to date 290 further education establishments have received either full or interim CoVE status from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). The LSC aims to create 400 CoVEs by 2006.

According to the research, three quarters of employers found that CoVEs offer good value for money, while many surveyed cited an increase in business efficiency as a result of involvement in CoVEs. Cost, the reputation of the college and the availability of specialist staff were also cited as "important" or "very important" factors by 70% of employers.

One employer, Derby-based aerospace manufacturer Rolls-Royce, worked with Derby College, amicus and the LSC to create a CoVE to train staff in the latest lean manufacturing techniques.

"The partnership is providing us with exactly the type of training we want for our staff," said Dave Hazelwood, engineering skills training manager for Rolls-Royce. "By working together and sharing best practice, Rolls-Royce and Derby College are both moving forward in achieving world class manufacturing skills and the funding from the LSC means that the college is better equipped and able to respond effectively to industry needs within the small and medium engineering companies."

External link

For more information about Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) visit: http://cove.lsc.gov.uk

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