02.08.06
Business needs being met with innovative courses

Cornwall College is introducing two innovative new Foundation Degrees this September to support local business needs and help build entrepreneurship and increase skills within organisations. The Small Business Development Foundation Degree, delivered by the College's business school, is designed for micro and small businesses, offering practical skills tailored to meet the needs of the students' own business. Study will be based around the framework of a Business Plan and its execution in a business, so graduates will get skills which can be used directly in their place of work. Delivered through flexible distance-learning, it's ideal for anyone looking to further their career, move their small business forward or develop key management skills.

As part of Cornwall College, the business school plays a vital role within the Combined Universities in Cornwall initiative and works closely with the University of Plymouth which validates the majority of the degree programmes on offer.

"The great benefit of studying this degree is that it's flexible," said programme manager Bryan Mills. "This means minimum time in the classroom for those who work full-time. It's a superb course for skilled trades-people, supervisors, managers, business owners or those starting out with their own small enterprise."

James Seligman, Head of Development at the business school said: "In developing the degree we have focused on the real needs of Cornwall's micro and small business enterprises. The course's development included discussions with groups such as the Institute of Directors, Business Link, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce and Industry, sector leaders in Cornwall, as well as extensive research with businesses in Cornwall and Devon."

Also new in September, and subject to approval, is the Lean Manufacturing & Processing Foundation Degree, which is being developed in close partnership with local industry as well as the South West Manufacturing Advisory Service (DTI).

"The course has already attracted interest from businesses in the South West who want to play a key role in developing and implementing sustainable world class manufacturing techniques that will improve efficiency and profitability," said programme manager Grahame Gilliam.

John Latham, CEO and Principal of Cornwall College added: "These are exciting times for us, with new flexible delivery to reduce time away from the business and specialist industry-based courses being launched which focus on real Cornwall business needs. We are committed to continuing the development of high quality and relevant education and training in the county for both private and public organisations."

For further information on either of these new courses, please contact Customer Services at Cornwall College on 01209 616161 or email enquiries@cornwall.ac.uk.

Cornwall College is a founding partner in the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC), a unique initiative to promote regional economic regeneration through higher education. The CUC has investment from the European Union (Objective One), the South West Regional Development Agency, and the Higher Education Funding Council for England, with support from Cornwall County Council.

For further information please contact Sarah Plant at Cornwall College on 01209 616100 or email sarah.plant@cornwall.ac.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) project, both Phase 1 and Phase 2 through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF). Cornwall College is a partner in the CUC.

Editor's notes:

Foundation degrees offer the solution to the 'work or study' dilemma, by providing a degree qualification in a practical, industry focused manner, delivered in a way that suits the needs of the working professional. They are equivalent to an HND and can be converted in the full bachelor's degree with a further year's study.

SMEs are Small to Medium Enterprises and make up the majority of business in Cornwall with over 80% of the County's business having less than 9 employees.

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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