Q: What subject areas are included in “STEM”?
A: We include within the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
remit: construction, biosciences, health, as well as physical sciences, information
technology, digital media etc. To check suitability, email
IFS@thenef.org.uk.
Q: How long is the placement for? And does this need to be taken in one block? Do
the lecturers from one college have to take the placement at the same time?
A: The placement at the host organisation should be for between 5 and 15 working
days. These do not have to be taken as one block, nor do the lecturers from the
same college have to go to the same organisation. You should negotiate with the
employer and your department so that you arrange the most effective pattern of attendance
for both you and the host organisation. The grant is intended to provide your department
with the financial resource to cover for your absence as necessary.
Q: Who finds and organises the details of the placement?
A: As you have the best local labour market information, a clear understanding of
the needs of your college, department and learners you are the best person to organise
your placement. If, however, you require help in finding a host, please complete
and return the Application Form asap, providing information on companies you have
already approached and the desired aims of your placement to enable us to support
you in identifying potential placements.
Q: How much is the total grant per college?
A: The direct funding element from NEF is £1,500 per lecturer to cover the basic
costs of cover. The host company is also expected to provide resources to the college,
which may be direct or in-kind benefit such as materials, equipment, visits or speakers,
for example.
Q: Can a College send more than 3 lecturers?
A: Yes. There is no maximum grant per college for 2012.
Q: Are there any prerequisite qualifications?
A: You must be a STEM FE lecturer working in a college in the United Kingdom. We
are looking for Industrial Fellowship Candidates who are keen to make a step-change
in their teaching practice and to improve their industrial links.
Q: I work in Scotland/Wales/Northern Ireland – am I eligible?
A: Yes, the Fellowship is open to FE college lecturers across the United Kingdom.
Q: I want to go on a course, can I use the fellowship funding for that?
A: No, the funding is designed to support placements in industry or research organisations.
Q: Can a college send an application including lecturer(s) that have already taken
a Fellowship grant in the past?
A: No, colleges can apply year after year for the Scheme but they cannot include
in the application lecturer(s) who, within the past 3 years, have undertaken secondment
through the IFS. If there is a 3 year gap in between, then we will consider an application
from the same lecturer, but priority will be given to lecturers who have not undertaken
secondment under the IFS before.
Q: If the location of the intended industrial placement has not been finalised,
can we still submit an application for grant?
A: Yes, as long as you advise us that you are still in discussion with a particular
organisation to finalise your placement.
Q: What output do you expect from my placement?
A: You will be required to transform the placement experience into new curriculum
and/or learning support materials, cascading your learning to teachers, tutors,
trainers, heads of departments and of course learners. NEF will require a copy of
all material and a short report on the placement. In addition, you will be asked
to return completed feedback forms for yourself and from the host company. Please
refer to the Notes and Guidance.
Q: How does the college get paid the grant?
A: Very briefly, the grant is awarded in two phases. The first half of the grant
is payable on confirmation of the placement arrangements. The second half is payable
on completion of the placement and return of the output (teaching materials, report
and feedback forms).
Q: Is there a deadline for completion of the fellowship?
A: Yes - the placement should take place within 6 months of the award. Typically
most placements take place over the summer holidays so are completed by the end
of September, but placements should not be delayed unnecessarily. The teaching resources
and any other reports should be completed by the end of the year.
Q: I am hoping to do a degree – are there any credits attached to being on the Industrial
Fellowship Scheme?
A: This really will depend on a range of factors including your tutor/course supervisor
for the degree. Clearly if the approach you have taken articulates to your course
work and your tutor agrees then by all means use it.