Employers seeking to capitalise on the wealth of opportunities in global trade have until 21st September to sign up to the Institute of Export's flagship Foundation Degree course.
The two-year, online FdA Professional Practice in International Trade - developed in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University - is the first qualification of its kind and equips students with the professional and academic skills to succeed in international business.
Accredited by ARU, and supported by international trade experts and tutors, the course is suitable for professionals working in export, import or trade, regardless of industry or sector, with students learning alongside others from all areas of global trade practice. They also benefit from a growing academic and business network as they progress.
Designed to fit around full-time employment, the degree underpins current industry knowledge with academic theory and skills and is taught through a mixture of online tutorials, podcasts and work-based assignments. It is intended to bridge the gap between the Institute's NVQ qualification range and degree courses - offering significant benefits to both employees and employers.
Lynsey Townsend, international logistics operations manager, Mothercare, said: "Having worked in international trade for a number of years, I wanted to further my knowledge and build a career in this sector. The Institute of Export Foundation Degree was exactly what I was looking for. The course was very beneficial in helping me to relate to everyday circumstances both within my company and the wider global marketplace. This sector is forever changing, but the knowledge and skills that I have gained means that I am in a good position to be able to respond effectively."
Added Thomas Ryder, export & shipping supervisor at a leading UK automotive manufacturer: "The degree challenged me to think about corporate strategy and was excellent in the way it pushed me to apply learning directly to current work situations. It encouraged me to talk to new people from across the company and gain a richer appreciation of the value that different business functions add."
Lesley Batchelor OBE, director general of the IOE, said: "In a rapidly changing global economy, we face a skills crisis as businesses find staff increasingly lacking the practical knowledge needed in international trade. This Foundation Degree is designed to equip graduates for real-life situations, with assignments and tutors focused on the situations faced every day in the workplace.
"The course enables flexible learning at a pace appropriate to each individual, while ensuring graduates are equipped to tackle the challenges of modern business and equally ensure their careers develop as fully as possible."
To apply now visit http://www.export.org.uk/foundation-degree-application-request The Foundation Degree is one of a number of recognised, formal qualifications provided by the IOE, whose aim is to professionalise international trade.