The new course has been developed by the University in close partnership with Showsec to meet the needs of learners, contributing to the longer-term development of the organisation and resulting in a formal qualification in the area of crowd management and event security. So far, 22 junior and mid-operational management executives have embarked on this flexible programme, combining academic and theoretical knowledge with work-based skills.
Conor Moss, workforce development fellow at University of Derby Corporate says, "The commitment from both parties on this project has been exemplary; the programme fits in well with our extensive selection of courses based around the events industry. The foundation degree has been developed to recognise the existing experience and knowledge of the individual learners, the employees, to enable them to achieve components of the course at a speed that suits them."
Showsec's Academy training manager Keith Hackett and the university have driven the initiative over the last six months, creating a fit for purpose qualification programme that is relevant to the current commercial environment.
"Showsec chose University of Derby Corporate because it is one of the leading forces in Work Based Learning," says Hackett. They have succeeded in translating the content of our courses, developed at the Showsec Academy, into a University framework. They have a proven record of industry-wide qualifications and experience combined with a genuinely innovative approach to learning. Add this to its' capability to provide a full range of relevant qualifications from Level Two to Level Seven it is the ideal institution."
Showsec managing director Mark Harding adds, "This is the first in a series of projects planned with The University of Derby Corporate, including a number of research projects. The university embraces the industry's needs and fully understand Showsec's requirements, allowing us to develop a programme that delivers far greater benefits than a more theory based course. We pride ourselves on being the driving force behind change and education in the sector, and this groundbreaking course formulates another key element in our desire to create a clearly defined career development path for all our operational staff."
(Jim Evans)
