Apprenticeships and work-based higher education Dr Darryll Bravenboer

1. Apprenticeships and work-based higher education Dr Darryll Bravenboer Associate Dean Academic Development Institute for Work Based Learning

2. Overview • Middlesex University and Apprenticeships • The Institute for Work Based Learning • The University’s Work Based Learning Framework • Possible barriers for Apprentices • Apprenticeship progression project • Development of a Higher Apprenticeship framework in Construction • Questions

3. Middlesex University and Apprenticeships • Strong strategic level support from the University Executive for engagement with Apprenticeships • Strong alignment with the Middlesex University’s mission ‘equipping our students with the skills they need for work and for life’ providing learning opportunities for those progressing through vocational, work-based and professional routes to gain high quality higher education qualifications. • Middlesex recognises the value of Apprenticeships in meeting the skills needs of the UK economy and provides specific work-based higher education progression opportunities for those who have undertaken Advanced Apprenticeships. • Middlesex working with a range of partners to develop and deliver Higher Apprenticeship frameworks – UVAC, LLN National Forum, MEG

4. The Institute for Work Based Learning • Work Based Learning as a field of study at Middlesex • Centre of Excellence for Work Based Learning • Work Based Learning Research Centre – Professional Doctorates (DProf) • Middlesex University Organisational Development Network (MODNet) • Includes FECs, PTPs and ATAs • University Accreditation Services • Accreditation of Prior and Experiential Learning (APEL) • Accreditation of in-company training and development courses • The University Work Based Learning Framework

5. The University’s Work Based Learning Framework • Work Based Learning Framework modules • Review of Learning, Professional Development, Practitioner Inquiry - L4-7 • Negotiated Work Based Learning Project modules - 10,15, 20, 30, 40, 60 credits at L4-7 • Work Based Learning Framework award titles • Professional Practice in identified sectors • A validated Framework that facilitates the construction of programmes that lead to a full range of awards • Small awards – University Certificates, Diplomas • Major awards – Foundation, Bachelors and Masters Degrees

6. What qualifications can people get from the WBL Framework?

7. Possible barriers to progression for Apprentices • Very low progression (2-4%) where a majority (54%) express and interest in progressing to higher education. This is not a lack of aspiration problem • Lack of clarity for Advanced Apprentices in higher education admissions procedures • Lack of clarity of parity eg UCAS points • Lack of awareness of Apprenticeships from Admissions Tutors • Low prioritisation of progression to higher-levels in the initial phase of the re-launch of Apprenticeships • Uncertainty about the involvement of Universities in Apprenticeship development • Lack of awareness amongst some employers about the opportunities and benefits of work-based higher education • Lack of clear progression routes for Advanced Apprentices

8. Apprenticeship progression project • Develop and gain institutional approval for a Progression Agreement designed to support progression from Advanced Apprenticeships to work-based higher education • Maximising progression from Advanced Apprenticeships to work-based higher education workshops – Partner Apprenticeship provider events • To develop Progression Agreements that support and promote progression from Advanced Apprenticeships • Signing of Progression Agreements • Publicise Progression Agreements to learners • Implement activities to support progression

9. University Certificate Professional Practice in [identified sector] University Certificate = 40 credits @ level 4

10. Development of a Higher Apprenticeship in Construction • ‘Hot House’ two day residential on 4th and 5th May 2011 • Construction Skills, Middlesex University, Derby University, West London University, Hull College, Burnley College, Blackburn College and LLN National Forum and UVAC • Development of a Foundation Degree in Construction Operations Management • Approval through Middlesex University's validated Work Based Learning Framework – September 2011 • Negotiated Work Based Learning Project modules at Levels 4 and 5 include sector specific content • Integrating knowledge and competence requirements through Work-based delivery • Mapped against National Occupational Standards • The Higher Apprenticeship Framework submitted for approval to Construction Skills – October 2011

11. Questions