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Engaging with employers via the workforce. Smart engagement and low cost/low risk solution development for employers. Kevin Pascoe, UALL Conference, March 2012. Widening Participation Initiative.
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Engaging with employers via the workforce Smart engagement and low cost/low risk solution development for employers Kevin Pascoe, UALL Conference, March 2012
Widening Participation Initiative ‘’Some potential students are harder to reach than others – but that does not mean they are not worth the effort.’’ ‘’Using their mutual strengths, The Open University and Unison havemade opportunities available to people fully engaged in the workplace and with busy lives.’’ THE Judging Panel Comments, October 2010
Initial Partnership Model • Initial widening access focus on non-traditional learner engagement on a range of OU courses • Learner demand led to a focus on vocational relevant FHEQ L4 learning • Emerging workforce development role • UNISON strategic focus key
Cymru Wales WULF Projects Team - ULRs, WULF Project Managers Role - Recruit learners, sponsor staff on introductory modules, peer support network
Team – TU engagement lead, Employer engagement lead, IAG staff Role – Provide accessible modules/ courses, enhanced workplace advice and guidance, Open Educational Resources, face to face module ‘tasters’
Challenges for NHS • Aging workforce • Not enough young graduates in future • Not enough posts at Associate Professional grade – Band 4 – or peopleto fill them in future • Need for flexible way of up skilling to FHEQ level 4 plus shift working a challenge and need run a service • Tight budgets and service targets
The final component Team – HCSW Development Coordinators Role – Sponsoring support workers on FHEQ L4 study and progression routes
Achievements so far • 1200 Welsh NHS and care sector support workers on OU courses in the last four years through the partnership • Demand from individuals outstrips the funding available – WULF projects & other • Union signposted solutions adopted by NHS employers and financial burden shared
Lessons to take forward • Workforce engagement can lead to strategic employer engagement • Smart’ use of union learning funds can lever lots more funding • ULRs are key to success • There can be a ‘Win-Win-Win’ around higher skills for individuals, unions and employers