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"My experience of working with fdf has been excellent. fdf had a clear understanding of where we wanted to be, providing clear direction and were an important conduit in speaking with the universities in helping them to also understand where we wanted to go. Don’t try to do it on your own. You need fdf to guide you through the process."

Dave Smith, Head of Training and Operating Procedures at Murco

"fdf has helped us to understand the opportunities for employer-based training and the power to create a programme of our own design to address industry and company needs."

Dave Hudson, Head of the AeroAcademy, Marshall Aerospace

 

What we do

fdf: Innovation in Workforce Development

  • fdf works with employers, employees and higher education providers to create innovative work-based learning
  • fdf creates and project-manages bespoke and customised workforce development programmes
  • fdf develops creative partnerships that provide significant business benefits
  • fdf offers effective solutions

Providing an innovative workforce development solution is what sets fdf apart. The partnerships fdf form cross boundaries and produce value-for-money answers to key business issues.

Taking in-house training to a higher level - Employers use fdf’s EBTA Service to get university accreditation for their in-house training. To date, 50 companies including Pfizer, Royal School of Signals, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Jewson, Murco Petroleum Ltd, Sony and Flybe have used EBTA to provide accredited training to over 6000 of their employees.

Providing solutions to workforce skills gaps – fdf works to find solutions that have an impact. This can be across entire industries or bespoke programmes for individual employers. From leading a project to create a Foundation degree in Electrical Power Engineering in partnership with key stakeholders and employers like National Grid, EOn, Scottish and Southern Energy, EDF, to supporting Marshall Aerospace in developing programmes to create a skilled workforce for the future in the £700m aircraft maintenance sector, fdf create the right environment for success.

Training the next generation - fdf has led a National ICT Consortium, including the Institute of Telecommunications Professionals, BT, Vodafone, RWE, HP, Oracle, Royal School of Signals and the NHS, to develop an industry-wide university-level programme for people who want to study and enhance their career prospects while they work in the IT industry. This programme is suitable for apprentices who want to take their qualifications to a higher level, for individuals who want short 'bite-sized learning' for CPD and also for employees who wish to gain an industry-recognised degree.

Key economic sectors - fdf leads on a national project for the retail sector that brings together employers like Tesco, Booths, John Lewis and House of Fraser with higher education providers to create solutions to skills and training issues. fdf led the development of a national work-based, distance learning programme in Travel Operations Management. It is accessed by employees of UK companies who are based all over the world. The programme is designed to develop the leaders and managers who will shape the future of the travel sector.

Entrepreneurship and SMEs - Learning for Leadership has evolved into a national programme, supported by fdf, the British Chambers of Commerce and regional Chambers to fill key skills gaps in SMEs. The programme offers everything from high-level CPD modules to full higher education qualifications for employees in SMEs.

Raising employee awareness - fdf has online resources and information to support anyone who advises working people about work-based routes through higher education. The comprehensive resources combine a mix of downloadable guides and checklists, case studies and interactive content to provide flexible material for those who would not regard traditional forms of higher education as a natural choice.