Smart engagement and low cost/low risk solution development for employers

Kevin Pascoe, UALL Conference, March 2012

Engaging with employers via the workforce

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 have made opportunities available to people fully engaged in the workplace and with busy lives.’’

THE Judging Panel Comments, October 2010

THE PARTNERS

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 WalesWULF 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 people to 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

Team – HCSW Development Coordinators

Role – Sponsoring support workers on FHEQ L4 study and progression routes

The final component

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

Any Questions?