James Dyson sets up college to tackle skills shortage

[rt]

In other James Dyson news this week:

http://www.bbc.com/news/education-37834857

"Inventor Sir James Dyson is to open his own institute to train engineers, who he says are badly needed if UK companies are to remain competitive."

Are any other R&D companies out there looking at trying to get degree-awarding status for their in-house training programmes? 

I know some companies effectively sponsor course modules within university departments so that their staff can take them for upskilling but this looks more like bringing it all in house.

The UK is going to push apprenticeships much more from next year through reclaimable tax-credits (net cost to larger companies if you don't have apprenticeships).  The definition of apprenticeships is to be broadened also so may capture more higher level training courses.

Interesting times.

rt