Foundation Degree in Builders’ Merchanting
Birmingham City University collaborated with Jewson during 2009 to launch the first-ever Foundation Degree in Builders' Merchanting. The degree, which was developed over two years by Birmingham City Business School, was launched at the House of Commons and attended by Ian Lucas MP, Minister for Business and Regulatory Reform.
Strengthening further its relationship with Birmingham City University, Jewson has also launched a Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Strategy to run in tandem with the new Foundation Degree.
The Foundation Degree is aimed at new and existing Branch Managers and Assistant Branch Managers who have completed Jewson's in-house Potential Branch Manager programme, and will be delivered through face-to-face modules, e-learning and telephone conference calls.
The 14-month course will be supported by Birmingham City University lecturers and the Jewson training department, culminating in a major project presentation where students will be required to demonstrate creative thinking that has benefitted the business.
The Jewson Foundation Degree learning modules include management and leadership, law for merchants, customer service and marketing and personal professional development.
The Client
With over 500 branches across the country, Jewson is the UK’s leading supplier of timber and building products to the trade and general public. Jewson’s first branch opened in Cambridgeshire in 1836 and the company has now been in business for over 170 years, building and cementing an excellent reputation among professional tradesmen along the way.
"We are very pleased to be working with Jewson to deliver this unique qualification. This collaboration highlights the University's focus on teaching practical skills and providing courses that have professional relevance that make our graduates highly employable”.
Professor David Tidmarsh, Vice-Chancellor, Birmingham City University
Results
- The developing partnership aims to deliver an innovative and entrepreneurial approach to education.
- The partnership was forged with the assistance of Foundation Degree Forward, a national body that supports the development and validation of high-quality foundation degrees.
- The inaugural intake of 25 students from Jewson and its sister business Graham, a leading plumbers' merchant, started the specialist Jewson Foundation Degree during October 2009.
Benefits
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Branch Managers up-skilled
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Improved skills in the areas of management and leadership, customer service and marketing.
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Stimulated a positive response to personal professional development.
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