Independent higher education providers are ready to power our leading industries with cutting-edge provision
The next Government should:
- Introduce Technical Education Awarding Powers to empower a new generation of specialist institutes to become beacons of industry excellence
- Create the conditions for investment in specialist technical education and training wherever it is needed
TIRO
TIRO are a leading provider of science and technology apprenticeships, working with partners in the STEM industry to train laboratory technicians, specialist testers, and data science staff.
They are characterised by agility, responding to what industry and students need from their training pathways. 42% of the employers they work with are non-levy paying employers – generally smaller businesses, which means they are more likely than the average apprenticeship provider to support the SME employer base.
TIRO are keen to explore expanding their offer to include courses for students in employment or transitioning to new roles that don’t fit an apprenticeship, recognising that both students' plans and employer needs evolve. Some may want to continue their training when their apprenticeship ends, developing further specialist skills to support their progression; others need a shorter or more flexible model of learning than an apprenticeship can provide. For TIRO this could include developing specialist qualifications in testing, inspection, and certification – creating a pipeline of graduates for one of the most rapidly growing industries in Europe.
In order to do this, TIRO need a route to be able to design, deliver and award their own technical qualifications with professional recognition, working closely with their industry partners. They need to be able to access student funding, so that they can continue to offer training pathways to diverse groups of learners. Awarding powers would enable providers like TIRO to expand their offer to meet industry and student needs, without relying on a partner university which can be costly and time-intensive.
Small providers like TIRO need funding so that they can continue to meet the costs of course development and regulatory processes
They also need investment. Small providers like TIRO need funding so that they can continue to meet the costs of course development – which are especially high when they offer experiential learning and real-world experience – and regulatory processes.
Their links to the STEM industry mean they are at the forefront of employer needs, developing new content to meet these needs and ensure qualifications meet professional standards. One example is their new concrete science modules, endorsed by The Concrete Society, developed in response to emerging industry need and now forming part of the Materials Testing Technician Apprenticeship programme. These types of modules could also be offered as a short course, allowing employers to add to the skillset of their current workforce to grow into emerging fields.
TIRO are an example of a provider who, with the right investment and regulatory reform, have the potential to power industry through their specialist provision.