Work-based Learning
Work-based learning programmes are undertaken by people who want to learn in a way that is directly related to their work, be that in paid or voluntary employment
What is Work-based Learning?
Work-based learning is based on the principle that relevant learning at work has the potential to be recognised and accredited as part of an award or qualification. In order to do this the learning has to be brought together into a coherent programme that can be quality assured. Work-based activities, supplemented by wider reading and underpinning knowledge, effectively become a higher education programme, tailored to the needs of individuals or groups of staff. The programme might lead to a higher education qualification such as a Certificate in Higher Education, a Foundation Degree or a Postgraduate Degree, or it may be a shorter programme that leads to credit rather than an entire qualification.
learndirect’s Learning through Work provision
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David is the first university sector institution in Wales to offer this learning opportunity. A number of our programmes are linked to the learndirect Learning through Work (LtW) website which promotes higher education in the workplace. These programmes have been developed by learndirect and are delivered and quality assured by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
LtW provides a quality assured framework within which individuals can develop and gain nationally and internationally recognised university qualifications. It also provides the opportunity to progress from one qualification (such as an HNC, undergraduate diploma or postgraduate certificate) to another (such as an honours degree or master’s degree).
learndirect Learning through Work (LtW)
How does work-based learning respond to business needs?
- it enables staff to gain relevant and quality assured learning and qualifications while limiting the time they spend away from the workplace
- programmes are demand-led and can be tailored specifically to the work-related needs of the employer and the individual
- tailored programmes can be developed for employers within a short timescale and offered through the medium of Welsh and English
- existing, relevant in-house courses can be incorporated
- it includes a range of online learning packages relevant to business needs
Key Features
- Demand-led and quality assured learning that is customised to meet the needs of individuals and the development needs of their employers.
- Learning is primarily work-based and so reduces the time needed to be away from the workplace. Some LtW programmes do not require any attendance and can be studied at work, at home or anywhere where there is a computer with an internet connection.
- Negotiated, partnership-focused learning that involves the learner, employer and The University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
- Programmes are offered through the medium of Welsh and English.
- Individually designed self-managed learning empowers learners to be responsible for developing their own programme. Learners can enrol on LtW programmes at their convenience, design and develop their own curriculum which meets their learning needs and the needs of their employer within a quality assured framework.
- Accreditation of prior learning can be a feature of the programme, either for learning gained through the experience of work or through previous study.
- Technology-supported learning is a key feature of LtW programmes and is being developed across the University's undergraduate and postgraduate workbased curriculum. This allows people to learn at times and in places that are convenient to them.
What are the programmes?
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David offers a whole range of work-based learning awards at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. All awards consist of a prescribed number of credits at a particular level or levels. The way that credits build up to a particular award is based on the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW).
If you are new to studying at HE level we would advise you to study some individual modules at level 4, starting with a LtW module such as Work-based Learning Programme Plan and/or Working and Learning: an Introduction to Work-based Higher Education. There are a wide range of other level 4 modules available, further details of which can be found on our website, and all can be put towards a Certificate of HE which can lead to a degree.
The undergraduate credit framework is based on a total of 360 credits (120 at each of Levels 4, 5 and 6). Each level also has its own award stage: Certificate of Higher Education; Diploma of Higher Education/ Foundation Degree and Honours degree.
Cert HE 120 credits at level 4 >> Dip HE/Foundation Degree - a further 120 credits at level 5 >> Honours Degree a further 120 credits at level 6
The postgraduate credit framework is based on a total of 180 credits all at the same level. There are exit points at 60 credits (Postgraduate Certificate); 120 credits (Postgraduate Diploma) and 180 credits (Master’s degree).
Postgraduate Certificate 60 credits at level 7 >> Postgraduate Diploma a further 60 credits at level 7 >> Master’s Degree a further 60 credits at level 7
Who will benefit?
Work-based learning programmes are undertaken by people who want to learn in a way that is directly related to their work, be that in paid or voluntary employment
Employers
With work-based learning you can:
- access learning programmes which directly assist in your competitiveness and which relate to your specific development needs, including investors in People
- support the ambitions of your staff within the context of the workplace and the organisation’s interests
- incorporate required standards and competencies into flexible programmes
- tap into external expert assistance and specialist learning materials.
In addition there are opportunities for you to work with University of Wales Trinity Saint David staff to develop customised programmes of learning for groups of your employees.
Accreditation of Staff Development
If your organisation carries out a range of training to support the continuing professional development of your staff then you should talk to the University about the opportunity to accredit this training towards a HE qualification. This accreditation will add value to the training for both employers and employees. Accreditation will involve the employee undertaking assessed work which will normally relate to the evaluation and implementation of the training in the workplace, providing you with the further benefit of ensuring that the training is applied and developed.
Non-accredited modules
If you are not looking for accreditation, Trinity Saint David is able to provide short computer-based programmes through Learning through Work in a range of management development areas. These can be used alone or incorporated into training and development programmes delivered by your own staff or with expertise from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. At present the subjects offered are:
- Leadership
- Law and employment
- Project management
- Change management
- Marketing innovation
- Equality and diversity in the workplace
- Workplace supervision
- Mentoring and coaching
- Creativity and problem solving at work
- Enhancing your personal effectiveness
Employees
With work-based learning you can:
- create an individual award bearing programme to meet needs which may not be catered for by ‘off the shelf’ courses
- develop an individual learning programme based around and demonstrated through your work activities
- extend your capability and enhance your effectiveness and employability
- undertake self-managed learning, which leads to a nationally and internationally recognised qualification, from units of credit to complete degrees.
In addition you may attend relevant taught modules at the University so that you can incorporate
these into your qualification.
How does it work?
Learning in the workplace often occurs subconsciously. By planning and structuring activities, with online support, this learning can be maximised and accumulate towards a qualification. With work-based learning you do not get credit simply for going to work! Work-based learning requires the following additional activities:
- an agreed learning contract
- adequate and appropriate research
- exploration of the topic beyond the immediate workplace and the points of view within the workplace
- networking with others working in the same field at the same or higher levels
- exposure to the intellectual challenge of tutors with relevant expertise
- evaluation and reflection on progress with the learning and associated work processes.
Here are typical work-based learning activities arising from the workplace:
- organisational development projects
- developing new products, processes or techniques
- improving existing products and procedures
- learning new job roles, skills and competences
- introducing change within the organisation
- conducting research to solve business problems
- engaging in personal or organisational benchmarking, such as against National Occupational Standards, Investors in People, key skills
- evaluating and developing current practice
“Most people in the workforce receive training and expand their skills but because the training is not accredited it does not count towards a higher level qualification. We need to somehow recognise this learning and give these people the chance to earn degrees.”
John Mumford
Former Vice President BP
Further information please contact
If your organisation carries out a range of training to support the continuing professional development of your staff then you should talk to Trinity Saint David about the opportunity to accredit this training towards a HE qualification. This accreditation will add value to the training for both employers and employees. Accreditation will involve the employee undertaking assessed work which will normally relate to the evaluation and implementation of the training in the workplace, providing you with the further benefit of ensuring that the training is applied and developed.
Dr Elizabeth Wilson
Tel: 01267 676859
E-mail : e.wilson@trinitysaintdavid.ac.uk
