Supporting Work-based Learning: perspectives from Northumbria University

1. Supporting Work-based Learning: perspectives from Northumbria University Sue Bennett Work-Related Learning Development Officer

2. Northumbria University • Good track record of innovative workforce learning programmes • Reputation for professional and practice-based learning • Nine Schools covering a diverse range of subjects • Support services dedicated to improving the student experience, and assisting the Schools with their teaching processes

3. Work-based learning in a wider context • Leitch Report 2006 – to review the UK’s skills needs up to 2020 • This generated the government response, with a greater focus on ‘employer engagement’ in higher level skills • One Northeast’s ‘Regional Economic Strategy’ which identifies skills needs on a regional level • The North East has some ambitious targets to meet as a result

4. ‘Work-based learning’ means …. • In Higher Education, Northumbria University is referring to reflective practitioners • At other levels, establishing levels of competency

5. Northumbria University’s response • Work-related Learning Services team • Learning and Teaching Support staff • Internal frameworks and structures to ensure a flexible response to employer demand • An unusual model – the staff who are involved, work with employers and the curriculum

6. The ‘Work-based Learning Framework’ • One example of the internal frameworks used • A generic framework, based on work, but without subject content • University Schools can include the subject matter in collaboration with the employer • 50% of the learning must take place in, at, or through the workplace • It means programmes can be put together relatively quickly

7. Examples of work-based learning programmes • MSc Professional Engineering – developed in collaboration with the Engineering Council (ECuk). Enables graduate engineers to work towards Chartered Engineer status whilst studying at work – directly maps to UKSpec. • BSc (Hons) Librarianship – enables those working at para-professional level in library or information sector to gain professional qualification; recognised by CILIP (professional body).

8. More examples • PG Certificate Public Sector Management – Northumberland County Council, Durham City Council, British Army, Northumbria Police, Northumberland Strategic Partnership, Gateshead Council ………… • Professional Practice Awards: Northumberland Early Years and Childcare Service; Health Care Trusts etc • PG Certificate Legal Advice – eaga – accredits training for staff who work in four categories of Welfare Law (welfare benefits, debt, housing and employment)

9. Challenges of work-based learning • Mature workplace learners may have higher level skills and experience, but have been out of education for many years – “academic versus skills” levels • A cohort can have a diverse range of study topics, projects, work environments, multi-levels - all of which the teaching staff have to manage coherently • Uncertainties regarding employment continuity for learners

10. Challenges – cont. • Workplace support for learners requires a particular skill set – mentor / coaching training? • Assessment methods – work-based learning tests the ‘traditional versus flexible’ model • Employers generally not sympathetic to the academic year, schedules, timetables – they want it: here, now! • University systems designed for the traditional model – validation and approval procedures; delivery; student records and enrolment …..

11. Next steps • Supporting work-based learning stretches University resources and generates its own challenges • Northumbria plans to invest in its infrastructure to expand work-based learning provision • The changing economic climate and work environments will influence Northumbria’s response

12. Contact: Sue Bennett Work-related Learning Development Officer sue.bennett@northumbria.ac.uk (0191) 227 4447