www.derby.ac.uk/corporate
University of Derby Corporate
www.derby.ac.uk/corporate
University of Derby Corporate (UDC) and International Centre for Guidance Studies (iCeGS)
Professionalising the work-based learning workforce – qualifications for tutors and trainers
University of Derby Corporate
UDC is the business-to-business arm of the University of Derby – with its own dedicated customer service and quality assurance infrastructure
UDC provides innovative, bespoke, accredited work based learning solutions for large and small employers
Since 2008, our client base has increased from 8 to 363; our work-based learners have risen from 187 to 3640 with 1202 of those from our collaborative partners
Proven track record – considered one of the leading facilitators of HE work based learning in the UK
Already supporting tutors and trainers in the workplace
A key starting point….
The developing Higher Apprenticeship national agenda:
“If there is to be step-change in appetite for and recognition
of Higher Apprenticeships; work-based trainers involved in
supporting the progression of apprentices must experience
higher-level learning themselves. Only in this way
will they fully develop the skills, expertise and knowledge
needed to teach and train in the workplace at higher levels”.
Defining the qualities and attributes of a WBL tutor Very little research to draw from on the workforce
Needed to understand what existed and what was needed: the qualities, skills, competencies and values required of those
supporting learning in the workplace the work based tutor qualification framework requirements - to develop
a single qualifications framework for supporting the work based learning workforce
Needed to support the growth and development of understanding of work-based learning concepts
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The research approach
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Literature review Online consultation with
work based learning workforce
Online consultation with learners
Semi structured interviews
Secondary data collection
Conference attendance
Work based learning – the context
Commercial Training arena EmployersCommercial Training Provider (CPs)
The funded skills learning arenaEmployersITPs and colleges
ProfessionalisationArray of qualifications at differing levels Professional BodiesCPD
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Research findings – key functional areas
Learning and Assessment
Quality Assurance
Learning Support
Learning Development
TrainerTutorTeacherInstructorLearning AdvisorAssessor
External VerifierHead of Quality AssuranceLead internal VerifierInternal VerifierLead Assessor
Functional skills tutorReviewerRoles with pastoral care of learnersProviders of career guidance
SupervisorMentorManagerCoach
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WBL job roles tend to fall into four functional groups:
Research findings – core attributes A number of core attributes and characteristics were identified as being of
importance to the WBL sector, across all four job roles identified
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A Leader Able to handle hostility Accurate Confidential Creative Ethical Engaging Flexible Good communicator Inspiring Knowledgeable about progression
routes
Organisation skills Provides sensitive feedback Self management Self motivated Sound judgment Supportive Team worker Understanding the learners job role Understanding the learners
workplace Understanding the learners sector
• Competences were identified for the four functional areas
Research findings – additional significant elementsAdditional elements emerging from the research, not yet highlighted by current research in the field, were also identified as being key for WBL practitioners:
currency and expert status of the technical occupational competence is critical
understanding the business environment in which the skills acquisition is taking place is vital, as well as the ROI that skills development brings
understanding the economics of the sector, in particular in relation to understanding how the workforce represent their employer and can be a valuable tool in developing new business
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Research findings – key challenges
Key challenges for WBL practitioners working with learners at HE level 4 above were identified as:
time to enhance WBL expertise, skill, knowledge and techniques whilst balancing current work and job demands
the ability to be more critical and challenging in terms of what and how learners’ learn – HE levels require a higher level of critical analysis and thinking
the need for more complex judgements and assessment of learning – not just acquisition of learning, but also application and depth of understanding
the ability to cope with the demands of higher level learners who are themselves more demanding
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Our solution….. BA(Hons) in Professional Development (Work Based Learning Practitioner)
Step-on and step off points (Cert HE, Foundation Degree, BA (Hons), plus smaller awards)
Comprehensive matching to competency and attribute areas identified to support skills development
Delivered through blended work based learning approach
CiPD accreditation being sought to ensure professionalism for the sector
Level 6 360 credits
Level 5 240 credits
Our solution…..
Level 4 120 credits
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University Certificate
Foundation Degree BA (Hons) Degree
Cert HE
University Diploma University Advanced Diploma
Personal Learning & Thinking Skills (PLTS)
Understanding learning at work Fundamental technical & professional skills
Mentoring and guidance skills
Developing & implementing contextualised blended learning
Introducing assessment methods
Work based study
Developing self to achieve performance excellence
Facilitating & supporting learning at work
(Choice of module here for the Diploma)
Enhanced technical & professional skills
Understanding and using new learning technologies
Integrated assessment methods
Advanced work based enquiry
The organisational learning environment
Supporting career development
Sustaining personal performance excellence
(Choice of module here for the Advanced Diploma)
(Choice of module here for the Advanced Diploma)
Advanced blended learning programmes in the workplace
Quality management & enhancement of learning
Enhanced career planning & development
Developing the learning organisation
Supporting work based learning
Technology enhanced learning
Work based investigation
Next steps…
Further research and dissemination of research – particularly around Higher Apprenticeships and WBL
Further development, enhancement and launch of new qualification
Professional accreditation
Recruitment of learners, testing and continual improvement
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Questions and Discussion
Thank you!Moira Sutton
Principal Research Fellow
International Centre for Guidance Studies (iCeGS)
01332 591 581
Carol SteedAcademic Development Manager –
Higher Apprenticeships
University of Derby Corporate (UDC)
01332 597 873
www.derby.ac.uk/corporate
