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Employers - CoVe
Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE)
Lowestoft College is proud to be recognised by the Learning & Skills Council (LSC) as a CoVE in 4 areas of vocational specialism.
These are:
- Construction CoVE (Construction & Associated Trades)
- First in Care CoVE (Health & Social Care)
- Offshore Technology CoVE (emergency response, process control and engineering)
- Skills for Energy CoVE (sustainable energy technologies & building engineering services)
Working with employers or 'employer engagement' is a key element of the CoVE programme and training is being developed in partnership with employers, in response to identified skills shortages
Working with employers or 'employer engagement' is a key element of the CoVE programme and training is being developed in partnership with employers, in response to identified skills shortages.
Background - The CoVE programme is central to the LSC's aim to improve and develop skills for employers that are needed to underpin business success and economic competitiveness. The CoVE programme is focused on delivering vocational skills that meet particular sector and industry needs through the development and delivery of high quality, specialist training across a range of sectors.
What do CoVEs do? - When an area of provision attains CoVE status it means that it is able to develop new, and enhance existing, specialist vocational provision that will be focused on meeting skills needs of employers locally, regionally, nationally and sectorally. It provides individuals from all backgrounds access to the high quality vocational training that they need to succeed in a modern economy.
What kind of providers have applied to join the CoVE Programme? - To be eligible to apply for CoVE status a provider must have:
- been in receipt of direct funding from the LSC;
- agreed with its local LSC the vocational skills needs which the proposed CoVE will address;
- have at least 50 Full Time Equivalent learners in the vocational skills need at level 3;
- have demonstrably sound management and financial status.
How is level 3 defined? - Level 3 is defined as specific provision of training in occupational skills needed in intermediate jobs ranging from craft to associate professional occupations. The qualification that most commonly applies in CoVE is the national vocational qualification 3 (NVQ 3).
What are the objectives of the CoVE programme? - The programme's overall objectives are to:
- increase the number of adults qualified in economically important vocational skills at level 3;
- encourage greater collaboration amongst training providers;
- secure better vocational learning opportunities for all;
- increase employer/training provider engagement;
What are the priorities of CoVE programmes? - The programme is aimed chiefly at adults (Aged 19 and above). It is concerned with equipping adult learners to progress into employment and to achieve advancement within employment by helping them upgrade their skills in vocationally important specialisms at level 3.
How are CoVEs monitored and assessed? - Once on the CoVE programme, a CoVE is monitored against the CoVE criteria and on their progress towards the targets and milestones described in their development plan. At the end of their first year, a CoVE is assessed to determine whether Full CoVE status is awarded.
Does this mean that Full CoVE status is not awarded immediately? - When first joining the CoVE programme, the centre is given 'Interim' CoVE status. This status is normally awarded for the first 12 months, prior to an assessment against the CoVE Criteria which will, if successful, lead to confirmation of Full CoVE status.
How long does CoVE status last? - The first year (Interim Status) is the development year, when the CoVE will work to realise the objectives in its development plan. At the end of this first year, subject to an assessment against the programme criteria, 'Full' CoVE status will be formally confirmed. After around 3 years of Full CoVE Status the CoVE will enter the CoVE Re-confirmation process.
Is the CoVE programme evaluated? - The CoVE programme is evaluated against the programme objectives and the programme's criteria and key outcomes.
For further information visit the official CoVE Website
For more information about Lowestoft College and CoVe please contact the college
For CoVe related courses use the search facility above.
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