Learning from MODNet

Work Based Learning at Middlesex

• 1996 Middlesex was awarded a Queens Anniversary Prize for “Excellence and Innovation” for pioneering work based learning.

• 2003 the UK Quality Assurance Agency commended Middlesex for innovation and rigor in the assessment of work based learning.

• 2005 HEFCE awarded Middlesex a Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning in WBL.

• 2007 Institute for Work Based Learning established

• 2009 HEFCE awarded Middlesex £8m to establish the Middlesex Organisational Development Network.

MODNet project objectives

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• The establishment of a provider network focused on organisational development

• The establishment of Business Development and Marketing resource to promote

work based learning

• The development of appropriate quality, infrastructure and financial frameworks

to support flexible work based provision

• Further development of the University’s work based curriculum

• Expansion of student numbers, especially through co-funded arrangements at

UG level

• The use of accreditation of in-house training to develop sustainable business

relationships with employers

The provider network

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• Strategic partners included Further Education Colleges and Private Training

Providers

• Key role of accreditation in engaging private providers and their employer clients

• Concept of a joint approach across all NQF levels had surface attraction but not

decisive

Further development of WBLCurriculum

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• Review of Work Based Learning Framework – focus on pan-University use

• Approval of new Titles: Professional Practice in ….

• A project driven approach to work based learning programmes

• Generic work based learning progression from Fd or equivalent professional

qualifications

• The combination of WBL project modules with subject modules

• New work based learning provision examples:• MBA Shipping and Logistics - Lloyds Maritime

• Fd Sports Development - Tottenham Hotspurs Foundation

Business Development and Marketing

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• Team established - between February and September 2009

• Joint development events with business development teams in partner

organisations – over 300 new contacts made

• Central employer enquiry line established

• High profile events - Informatology Conference, Stock Exchange with Consalia,

London Chamber with Boris Johnson, Hendon employer event with Michael

Portillo, Joint Conference with CBI

• Formal endorsement of Middlesex WBL approach by the London Chamber of

Commerce

The development of systems and infrastructure

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• Staffing resources to support project development• Institute for Work Based Learning staff

• Work based learning staff within University Schools and central services

• Student record system• Developed registration systems that meet the requirements of new approaches to work

based learning - eg employer cohorts

• Customer Relationship Management system

• Limited impact as did not achieve a whole university approach

• Support for work based learning students

• Further development of distance learning technologies

• Identification and dissemination of best practice with Schools and strategic partners

Working with Employers

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• Impact of the recession on employers and on the University

• Small awards eg University Cert, Dip, Advanced Dip, PGCert more attractive than full Hons or Masters degrees

• Co-funding not an attractive proposition

• Use of accreditation key to partnership working

Halifax Community Bank:Journey in Practice

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• Developing Professional Branch Management Teams

• Accreditation of in-company training plus work based project for University Advanced Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate

• Sales up 9.8%, Customer Impact scores up 40%• WBL project linked to faster improvement

Halifax Community Bank:Journey in Practice

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• “JIP is the Jewel in the Crown for the Lloyds Bank Group in Professionalising the retail banking workforce” Peter Hallard, Group Learning Director

• “To gain a qualification from a University while carrying out my day job is a fantastic opportunity” Ian Grady, Branch Manager

• “Furthermore I have a business plan which really fits my branch” Sandra Dixon, Branch Manager

The Work Based Learning proposition

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• values the learning already held by the individual and their organisation,

• enables the individual to plan their own programme,

• is flexible in delivery eg distance/ or in-company learning programme,

• is flexible to meet individual/organisational needs,

• leads to internationally recognized higher education qualifications.

Work Based Learning

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• focuses on the development, conduct and learning from work based projects,

• aims to develop the individual as a more effective work based learner,

• aims to contribute to the organisation through the creation of new knowledge and the application of learning to achieve organisational objectives.

WBL suggests new kinds of HE/Employer partnerships

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• Beyond Joint design of programmes

• Combine individual learning and organisational development

• Create strategic partnerships for knowledge recognition, creation and use

Linking WBL to the knowledge requirements of employers

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• Focus on organisational objectives to ensure that knowledge has a performative edge and is thus of value to the organisation.

• Develop strategies for working with tacit knowledge eg focus reflexive practice to enhance individual knowledge recognition, creation, dissemination and use.

• Fully exploit the structural capital of partner organisations in fostering knowledge recognition, dissemination, creation and use and seek to enhance the structural capital of organisations.

Follow up reading

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• Garnett J (2012), Authentic work integrated learning, in Hunt L, & Chalmers D (eds), University teaching in focus: A learning-centred approach, ACER Press: Melbourne.

• Costley C and Critten P (2012) The Business Value of Structured Workplace Learning, Glocal Focus Special Supplement 6(1) 13-16

• Garnett J, Costley C and Workman B (eds) (2009) Work Based Learning: Journeys to the core of Higher Education, London: Middlesex University Press

• Higher Education Academy (2008) Work-based learning Workforce development: connections, frameworks and processes, York: HEA

• Contact: J.Garnett@mdx.ac.uk• Contact: C.Costley@mdx.ac.uk