Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is looking for employers’ views on the development of new HNC/D qualifications and how they may impact the future workforce in different sectors. SQA are interested in speaking with professionals in different organisations (this could be a skills development or education officer, someone who works in a recruitment role, or a team manager) who would be able to give insight on this.
The new Next Generation Higher National qualifications (NextGen: HN) will soon be one of the leading qualifications that employees in a range of different sectors hold. It is important that SQA hear the views of employers on the issues currently facing the sector, their thoughts on the new qualification proposals and any feedback on learners who have already been through the pilot (if applicable).
The subjects that have been piloted so far are: Social Sciences, Radio, Television, Accounting, Physical Activity & Health, Acting & Performance, Childhood Practice, Computing, Engineering, Agriculture, Agricultural Technology and Horticulture. SQA are keen to hear from a wide range of employers so the organisation would also like to hear from employers that have not taken part in the pilot or that do not have any knowledge of NextGen: HN.
If you are interested in taking part in the research or would simply like more information about it before deciding, please read the below Participant Information Sheet.
Once you have read the Participant Information Sheet, please complete the form below by Monday, August 28 to be contacted to take part in the research:
https://forms.office.com/e/BnssTrFFmf
SQA look forward to hearing from you. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Rachel Whitford (Research Analyst) at rachel.whitford@sqa.org.uk.
PARTICIPANT INFORMATION FORM
Title of research: Higher National (NextGen: HN) Employer Engagement Research
1. What is the purpose of this research?
SQA is currently in the process of adapting our current HNCs and HNDs to give learners the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century workplace. Some new key features of our NextGen: HN qualifications are detailed below:
- Incorporation of meta-skills to enable learners to adapt their learning for the workforce
- HNC and HND will become standalone qualifications in their own right
- Incorporation of digital technology across learning, teaching and assessment
- Opportunity to build knowledge and understanding of Learning for Sustainability
- Larger and fewer units of learning
- New models of grading
Since 2021, the NextGen: HN has been piloted across a selection of colleges in Scotland. Some learners who have taken part in the pilot have already entered the workforce. The purpose of this research is to find out what employers of HND/C graduates think about the issues currently facing their sector, their views on the current HNC/D and the new HNC and HND proposals.
2. Why have I been chosen?
You are being asked to take part because your views will be essential to shaping the future workforce in your sector.
It is important that we listen to the perspectives of key stakeholders in your industry to find out whether the proposed changes to the NextGen: HN are appropriate for your sector and what the impact of these changes may be.
3. Do I have to take part?
You do not have to take part in this research. Participation in the research project is voluntary. If you do not wish to take part, you are not obliged to do so. If you change your mind after the research has started, you do not need to explain why but please let me know as soon as possible so I can remove your data and any personal details.
4. What does taking part involve?
You will be asked to take part in an interview. We will ask you some questions about what you think about what you think about the issues currently facing your sector, your views on the current HNC/D and the new HNC and HND proposals. You do not have to answer any question that you do not want to. This will take about 30-60 minutes. Interviews will take place over Microsoft Teams or by phone. We will record and save the answers on Microsoft Cloud/SharePoint so that afterwards we can listen carefully to what was said. You will be asked to complete a Consent Form. After you have signed this form, you are still free to change your mind.
5. Will the information that I give you in this research be kept confidential?
I will keep all the data I collect in a secure online location that only specific colleagues involved in the research project who need it will have access. All personal identifiers will be removed from the data. All research and personal data will be erased on project completion. When I write about what I have found, your name will not be mentioned. Instead of the name, if this is used, I will use a pseudonym or code to ensure anonymity.
You have a right to ask for personal information we hold about you. This is commonly known as a Subject Access Request (SAR). This gives you the right to receive a copy or summary of your information. If you wish to make such a request, please contact data.protection@sqa.org.uk.
If I discover anything which makes me worried during the data collection that you might be in danger of harm to self or others, I might have to inform relevant agencies of this.
6. What will happen to the results of this research?
I will analyse the data I collect from participants and present this in a report that may be published externally. I will destroy the data at the end of the project.
7. What about research ethics?
This project has been developed in accordance with SQA's Code of Research Practice (CoRP) which lays out a framework for conducting ethical, equitable and sustainable research. For more information on the CoRP contact the Research and Evaluation team on researchandevaluation@sqa.org.uk.
8. Who can I contact for further Information?
If you have any questions about this research, please contact rachel.whitford@sqa.org.uk. If you wish to make a request for the information we hold about you, please contact data.protection@sqa.org.uk.