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Workforce development through employer-based training accreditation: the Waterstones-Derby partnership Emma Brown, Head of Learning and Development, Waterstones Carol Steed, Head of Learning Solutions, University of Derby Corporate
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Workforce development through employer-based training accreditation: the Waterstones-Derby partnership Emma Brown, Head of Learning and Development, Waterstones Carol Steed, Head of Learning Solutions, University of Derby Corporate Anette Loescher, Development Officer, Research, Development and Partnership Group, QAA HEA Annual Conference 2013 Powerful partnerships: defining the learning experience
Introductions Why it is good to be connected
Creating employer/University connections: EBTA What is EBTA? expert evaluation of employers’ in-house training consultancy on training development to ensure fit with staff development strategy consultancy on training development to achieve optimum accreditation facilitation of employer – university partnership
The EBTA process Initial Enquiry Undertaken by EBTA Manager Employer preferred HE partner and/or 30+ EBTA HE providers Undertaken by trained EBTA consultant/fdf Initial Scoping Visit Scoping of In-Company Training Identification of HE Partner Facilitated by EBTA consultant/fdf Proceed to Full Accreditation
Guiding principles innovative and creative responsive and flexible employers and employees first outcomes oriented aims to achieve maximum accreditation possible facilitates progression and lifelong learning
Employers value accreditation because…. impact of in-house training more explicit and sustainable relevant training, return on investment external quality assurance, rigour in content, delivery and assessment strategies towards formal national qualifications basis for further engagement with the HE provider/sector external benchmarking re approach to in-company training and business practices motivates, rewards and retains staff brand association with the HE sector
Benefits for HE providers effective response to the challenge of meeting the skills needs of industry expands existing relationships with employers and is a useful first step to working with a new employer opportunities to build progression routes from accredited training to further training or qualifications engagement with existing training in the workplace as basis for wider course/curriculum development HE becomes accessible
Forms of accreditation within EBTA Validation of a bespoke HE award Credit recognition Learning Through Work/CPD/Shell Awards
Challenges environment demand-led provision sustainability relationship and provision development over time quality assurance
About Waterstones The irreplaceable pleasures of a good bookshop We don’t pile high and sell cheap; we sell well Our Booksellers are our ambassadors. And their spirit is a fundamental part of who we are. Each shop is an invaluable part of the local community it serves. We excite and inspire our customers with the wealth of discovery and shared passion for books that no one else can ever replicate.
Waterstones Academy Vision to create a Waterstones Academy to improve bookselling skills, employee engagement and add value to the organisation Launched elearning site in August 2012 The Certificate in Bookselling will be a core element of the Waterstones Academy
Why accreditation? To recognise the complexity of, and place value on the role of our Booksellers “As Booksellers we are so much more than shop assistants and it will be a boost for everyone who loves working with books and within Waterstones who wants to pursue Bookselling as a career to feel that it is a viable and recognised option.” To challenge and improve our own standards To challenge and improve the standards of our learners’ work through assessment To be considered an employer of choice
Education experts who understand business We’re a bit different to most universities. By having a dedicated division that’s solely focused on working with business, we can offer you a more professional service. We think like a business, we speak your language, we’re available all year round, and crucially, we can bring together expertise from all corners of our University – not simply from one faculty or department. We make university-approved learning and development available to you and your employees, through a pain-free, business-friendly process.
Education experts who understand business A true partnership What our clients like most about us is our collaborative approach. Because most of our solutions are bespoke to you and include work based learning, it’s crucial that we listen, learn and understand your organisation before we suggest a solution. With us, there’s no pre-prepared sales pitch. Once we’ve agreed the way forward, we don’t stop listening and consulting with you. We’re there to support and guide you through the whole process, responding to your suggestions and adapting our approach if necessary until we achieve the aims set out at the beginning. Our starting point is always your business need; our end goal is addressing that need.
The proposal & Understand their market place and competition Commercially astute managers A “personal touch” – bespoke bookselling (staff recommends) + = Understand the Waterstone’s USP Existing Talent management programme – invest in employees Understand the book trade and publishers
The solution • Based on the content of the curriculum we agreed on a single 60 credit module split across three modules • Modules have distinct time scales for completion so students have structure Selling to customers Winning customers Engaging with customers University Certificate in Professional Development ( Bookselling)
Assessment: Founded in real work, supported virtually Virtual support: e-portfolio; discussion boards Business challenge Store walk Real work activity portfolio Visual merchandising campaign Business plan
The UDC and Waterstones Work Based Learning Community of Practice • Waterstones identified 9 tutors to assess student work and provide support • Each completed Supporting Work based learning programme – 40 credits at level 6 designed specifically for in company tutors • Links to virtual community of practice – resources; discussions, conference opportunities to support and develop learning in the workplace. • Share ideas and best practice
