We are celebrating the success of the largest cohort of students to graduate from our flagship two year Foundation Degree in Professional Practice in International Trade.
Students completed the internationally accredited course which has been developed by the IOE in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University to specifically meet the needs of businesses and their employees trading in a competitive global market.
IOE Chairman, Ian Taylor together with the Institute’s Director of Education, Kevin Shakespeare, were on hand to congratulate the graduates, who were presented with their degree certificates by Professor Michael Thorne, Anglia Ruskin University’s Vice Chancellor.
Tom Ryder, Export and Shipping supervisor at Jaguar Land Rover gained the highest marks, closely followed by fellow graduate, Jenny Butler, Commercial Manager, at Cory Brothers Shipping Agency Ltd.
Commented Tom: “The foundation degree has provided a perfect and timely outlet for ensuring I develop the knowledge and skills both related to, and beyond, my immediate job role. Making the degree relentlessly focussed on how theory is applied across the companies we work for, forced me to think more about business strategy and the motivations behind the daily business decisions I could see being made from the shop floor all the way up to the board room.”
Jenny said: “The Foundation Degree in International Trade is a practical way for someone with moderate knowledge of the supply chain industry to substantially increase their own understanding and apply it to their work. I would highly recommend this qualification to anyone within the sector who wishes to increase their practical knowledge and support their ambitions to progress. The Institute should be commended for implementing this practical education for those within the logistics and supply chain industries.”
IOE Director General, Lesley Batchelor, commented: “The increase in students undertaking this internationally recognised degree emphasises the importance businesses are placing in embedding professionalism into international trade by investing in enhancing the skills of their teams.
“We provide long term support to our students to ensure their expertise in exporting grows. The flexibility of this qualification together with our pastoral care enables them to study whilst continuing with their work and family lives. Much credit must go to our Director of Education, Kevin Shakespeare and his team.”
Jan Skene, Anglia Ruskin University’s Head of Degrees at work, said: “It is encouraging to see our course with the Institute of Export continue to add value to this sector, and it is always a pleasure to welcome our work-based learning students to campus to celebrate their graduation. What these individuals have achieved whilst working full-time is truly admirable and we look forward to seeing many more of them in the future.”
The other successful graduates were Rebecca Hill, Tammy Coles, Mohamed Abdi, James Simpson, Miyoba Lubemba, Dan Burt, Jamie Burt, Hadrian Roberts, Ed Kamweti, Bridget Chidimna and Cathryn Pearman.
Do you think more emphasis should be placed on international trade qualifications in our education system? Have you benefitted from an IOE professional training course?
For more information about how to apply for the Foundation Degree starting in September 2015 and to download an application form, go to http://www.export.org.uk/professional-qualifications/foundation-degreeor visit our website for more information on the IOE’s business membership, training and qualifications or contact us if you have any questions.