Opening a Science Industry Partnership (SIP) account Access to SIP grant funding The programmes we are developing through the SIP will have a direct impact on our productivity, allowing people coming into our companies to become competent much sooner than otherwise. The standards-based workforce development programmes will enable freer movement of employees between and within employers. This is a not to be missed opportunity. Malcolm Skingle, Director, GSK and SIP Chair for science industries
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has agreed to co-invest 32,600,000 in the employer-designed Science Industry Partnership (SIP) skills proposal. This is fantastic news and reflects the appetite from Government to invest in employer-led skills programmes for the science industry sector. SIP members can now access the grant funding by committing to programme uptake through sign up to a SIP account. About SIP accounts A SIP account is the mechanism by which employers access the exclusive range of SIP programmes and grant funding. The opening of a SIP account confirms the members commitment to co-invest in training. On opening a SIP account a ring-fenced fund is set aside from the main funding pot for the SIP member and the company is then able to access all SIP skills programmes outlined in this brochure. Opening a SIP account Opening a SIP account is a simple process. Based on information about your planned level of activity in Year 1 your Account Manager will calculate a SIP deposit amount required to open up the SIP Account. Using information about Year 1 activity and estimated Year 2 activity your Account Manager will calculate the ring-fenced fund being set aside for the company. Funding from the SIP grant will be ring-fenced to cover learners starting in the years 2014 2016, through to programme completion. This ensures that the SIP members training plans can be funded. The SIP account deposit The deposit into the SIP account is calculated using the following table: The deposit values approximate to 5% of the estimated total cost of the Year 1 delivery. This money is required up front, from employers, in order to start the supply of grant funding. This will allow the development work on the programmes to be completed and ensures that the SIP training activity starts as soon as possible. The SIP deposit is a fully refundable payment until programme delivery begins for the SIP member. The deposit is simply a down payment and will be credited towards an organisation s SIP programmes. Following confirmation that the company wants to open a SIP Account a proposal is sent; setting out the SIP deposit details and terms and conditions. On signing the proposal the company raises a purchase order for the deposit and an invoice is raised. Budgeting and account management After your SIP account has been opened an Account Manager will work with the SIP member to finalise plans for the delivery of the SIP programmes and this will be set out in a SIP Programme Delivery Agreement. This will include a delivery contract, a timetable and a statement of when monies are due to be paid into the SIP account. SIP Programmes Apprenticeships (Level 2, 3 and Higher) Higher Education (Industry Degree Scheme and Modular Masters) Deposit per learner 1,000 500 Workforce Development 50
SIP account monies and statements Monies paid into the SIP member s account are held in a dedicated SIP bank account. The SIP bank account is in the name of Cogent SSC Ltd and will be subject to an annual audit by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Cogent SSC is a Sector Skills Council licensed by Government and has an Audit Committee with membership made up of leading employers in the science industries. Employer investment costs (per learner) The estimated total cost of delivery, the grant funding available and the estimated employer investment in the SIP programmes are detailed in the table below: SIP Programme Total cost of delivery ( ) Maximum Grant funding available ( ) Employer investment ( ) SMART Apprenticeships (Level 3) - technical 22,000 18,000 4,000 SMART Apprenticeships (level 3) - non-technical 13,000 10,000 3,000 SMART Apprenticeships (level 2) 13,000 10,000 3,000 Higher Apprenticeships 17,000 0 17,000 Workforce Development 1,000 500 500 Industry Degrees 7,500 0 7,500 Modular Masters (Module) 1,000 500 500 Note: Final costs of delivery for all of the programmes may vary depending on the level and quantity of additional training required by the company. Company 1 a company focussing on Apprenticeships and Workforce Development (Example) Programme Learners Ring Fence Grant ( ) Year 1 Delivery Year 1 Year 2 Year 1 Year 2 cost ( ) Year 1 Net cost to Company ( ) SMART Apprenticeships 10 12 180,000 216,000 220,000 40,000 *Higher Apprenticeships 4 4 0 0 68,000 68,000 Workforce Development 20 20 10,000 10,000 20,000 10,000 Total 34 36 190,000 226,000 308,000 118,000 Total Ring Fence Grant 416,000 SIP deposit 15,000 *Higher Apprentices can apply for a student loan. Employers can also fund tuition fees. Company 2 a company focussing on Higher Education and Post Graduate Training (Example) Programme Learners Ring Fence Grant ( ) Year 1 Delivery Year 1 Year 2 Year 1 Year 2 cost ( ) Year 1 Net cost to Company ( ) Industry Degree Scheme 6 8 0 0 45,000 45,000 Modular Masters (Module) 4 4 2,000 2,000 4,000 2,000 Total 10 12 2,000 2,000 49,000 47,000 Total Ring Fence Grant 2,000 SIP deposit 5,000
Employer process for opening a SIP Account (Example) Stage 1 (1st week) Cogent works with you to understand the skills needs of your organisation We arrange an initial meeting to review your business and skills needs and signpost the training required by your organisation. Stage 2 (2nd week) you open a SIP account We complete a SIP application form to open your SIP Account, which requires a signature and PO number, raising an invoice for a deposit for your SIP programmes. Stage 3 (3rd week) Training Plan is developed and claim process explained We work with you to design a detailed training plan, scoping all your SIP programmes, and approved though Cogent s Quality Process we allow two weeks for this process. We source a Cogent-Assured Training Provider. Non-assured provision requires a simple QA Process. Learner data is required at this stage, and we work with you to obtain the data. Stage 4 (week 6) SIP contract developed for agreement and signature We develop, quality check and sign your SIP contract and send this for approval and signature. Cogent and your Company retain copies. Stage 5 (week 7 & beyond) Review and Monitoring Your Account Manager will meet with you on a regular basis to review and monitor progress, assist in funding support from the SIP and amend your SIP contract as necessary.
Why use exclusive SIP employer-designed programmes? A brand new approach to people development. The SIP is delivering a number of exciting, co-funded, employer-designed pilot training programmes across two years (2014-16). Importantly, these pilot programmes address vocational skills needs where the current system is not yet delivering. They are only available through the SIP. Here we set out what each SIP programme includes. SMART Apprenticeships: a new bespoke approach to developing talent Flexible, SMART Apprenticeships developed through the SIP put employers in direct control of the training. They are designed around the job, ensuring that the training meets the needs of the business. For the first time, in-house training can be incorporated through a bespoke Apprenticeship Training Plan (ATP). Importantly the SIP has secured grant funding of up to 18,000 per apprentice. Your Apprenticeship Adviser will be able to discuss other geographical and sector specific funding opportunities to support your people and business needs. Costs: the employer should contribute 20% towards the programme. Payment terms are within 30 days of invoice. Workforce Development: closing skills gaps and recognising competence SIP funding for Workforce Development is Government financial support for existing employee training. Through this limited offer programme, companies will access 50% Government match funding for training to develop their employees. Importantly, in order to ensure quality assured training, a skills gap analysis will be completed with the employer against a national industry standard. All training identified will be designed to contribute towards company growth and innovation. Costs: the employer pays the provider 100% of cost of training and SIP reimburses 50%. The invoice and evaluation should be provided. Higher Apprenticeships: flexible work-based learning The flexible SIP Higher Apprenticeship provides the opportunity for individuals to gain qualifications progressing up to graduate level. Costs: the 17,000 indicative cost includes the development of the ATP, management of the Apprenticeship delivery and all training, including Higher Education tuition fees. Industry Degree Scheme: shaping graduate vocational skills SIP Industry Degrees are being developed with leading university partners. They provide employers with access to a revolutionary scheme to develop the next generation of workers, through degrees with a high level of vocational learning. Costs: 7,500 over two years. The cost of delivering the SIP Industry Degree programme includes student placement recruitment support, the employment of the student, maintaining an ongoing link between the company and student and the development of a company specific summer placement/s. It also includes the student s bursary whilst on the placement. It excludes any Higher Education tuition fees.
Why use exclusive SIP employer-designed programmes? Formulation Modular Masters Framework: developing high level specialist skills This new, highly flexible Masters level framework will equip individuals with a range of high quality, cutting edge scientific and managerial skills in formulation technology. The completion of an average of six 30 credit modules leads to a full Masters qualification. Costs: cost is an average of 1000 per individual module the information sheet contains further detail. Employer costs cover both the development and delivery of the new Masters modules. Companies can access 50% per learning intervention via the SIP Workforce Development Strand. Traineeships and Careers: pathways into work Fully funded SIP Traineeships are a new six month, employer-led and provider delivered programme for young people. They can provide a pathway to an Apprenticeship. Employer benefits include potential savings on recruitment and induction costs by ensuring individuals have the right attributes before they begin their Apprenticeship. Some employers may also wish to take up this programme as part of their role in the local community. The SIP careers programme will ensure employers have closer links with schools and colleges to open up the world of work. Employees have the opportunity to become a SIP Ambassador and access a library of free SIP resources. The Science Industry Partnership will also collaborate with other skills bodies to co-ordinate the quality and reach of (STEM) careers information programmes. Costs: there is no cost to the employer for uptake of these SIP strands. There is however, a requirement to provide a three to six week placement project for Traineeships.
Guidance Notes Apprenticeship calculations do not include apprentice salary costs. An annual reconciliation of an organisation s account will ensure that all monies, including those deposited at the outset, contribute towards the development and delivery of programmes. Throughout all programme delivery, Cogent, as part of its service agreement, will commission delivery of the training and manage the associated administration. The delivery of the programmes will be monitored, by Cogent, through their duration, ensuring milestones are attained. If an employer s business circumstances change, and it cannot proceed with the programmes prior to their commencement, the deposit will be refunded. Invoicing arrangements will be agreed in advance and set out in the SIP Programme Delivery Agreement. All information provided on this form will be used to process your SIP Account Application. All information that we hold concerning you as an individual will be held and processed by Cogent in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. To see our full privacy policy please go to www.cogentskills.com. For more information contact: info@cogentskills.com
This project has been partly supported by HM Government with Employer Ownership funding. Cogent Skills, Unit 5, Mandarin Court, Centre Park, Warrington, WA1 1GG www.scienceindustrypartnership.com for science industries