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An exhibition is currently being held at the Hat Factory, Luton, showcasing a selection of creative work from the University of Bedfordshire and 4 local colleges. This exhibition reflects the quality and commitment of staff and students and includes examples of competition briefs, award-winning work, commissions and live briefs by students that have completed foundation degrees. The Exhibition is open 7th -20th March.

The aHEAD exhibition was initiated by Move. The first evening was a great success and saw many representatives from local businesses and organisations attending to see examples of student work and to share their views and hopes for the future.

David Barrett, the Dean of Partnerships at The University of Bedfordshire, introduced the event. He encouraged businesses to take the opportunity to come forward and express their opinions and ideas to aHEAD as the scheme will be mutually beneficial to both students and local businesses.

Denise Stanley spoke on behalf of the Creative & Cultural Skills Council and gave an interesting, concise summary of her interpretations of the government's future intentions for the creative industry.

Lincoln Beddau, Managing Director of askMK TV Production in Milton Keynes spoke from first hand experience, expressing his support for work-based learning. In the last 6 months his company has benefited by employing three graduates who originally came to askMK TV Production on work-based learning while studying on a foundation degree course at Milton Keynes College.

'MOVE - the lifelong learning network for the East of England is working to disperse the barriers between education and business through collaboration and progression. This was a great evening where a range of creative individuals shared their talents, expertise and knowledge, surrounded by an exhibition of Foundation Degree work. Exhibits included work produced for 'live' and work-based learning projects and national competition entries. The event brought industry and education closer together in a collaboration that will benefit both the students and the creative industries'. Rosie Rigg, P.M. Coordinator, MOVE.

The University of Bedfordshire, together with its partner colleges, Barnfield College, Bedford College, Dunstable College and Milton Keynes College has created a consortium - aHEAD - to share its business contacts and to build stronger links with potential employers in order to enhance the quality and relevance of its foundation degrees in the creative sector.

A foundation degree is a higher education qualification that is designed through partnership with employers, to equip students with the essential skills, knowledge and experience to meet the needs of business. They are full qualifications in their own right equivalent to, but different from, the first two years of an honours degree. They include work-based learning placements, which provide a platform for students to work with employers on live briefs. Work-based learning provides many benefits and opportunities to both employers and students.

The employers are able to work with young, creative talent who can often provide fresh new ideas. Foundation Degrees allow the employer the opportunity to mentor the student, assessing their aptitude and suitability as a future potential employee. They allow the employer the opportunity to attract and encourage graduates to remain in the local area for the benefit of local business.

Work based learning can give students the additional skills required to be successful. The employer acts as a mentor to the student enabling him or her to make the transition between education and employment. The student gains confidence and acquires the professional life skills that are essential for coping in the world of employment.

aHEAD is looking to enlist your support in this important partnership to ensure that the fresh talent of creative graduates can help you meet the challenges of maintaining the competitiveness of your businesses. aHEAD wants to interact with a wider range of employers enabling them to contribute to the education these graduates receive so that tomorrow's employees are better prepared for successful employment.

Please contact aHEAD if you are a student interested in undertaking a foundation degree or if you are an employer wanting to explore the benefits for your business – we will be able to put you in contact with someone who can help. Please contact Rosie Rigg for further information at MOVE Suite 1, Lancaster House, Meadow Lane, St Ives, Cambridge PE27 4LG.
Tel: +44 (0) 1480 467073 Mob: 0779 564 4261 Web: www.move.ac.uk Email: rosie.rigg@move.ac.uk

FdA Specialist Make Up, Barnfield College

Work by students from Dunstable College.