Partnering With Employers

Christopher CostiganDirector of Academic Collaborations, BPP University

Outcomes

Challenges

FHEQ Requirements

The Student Journey

1

2

3

QAA Chapter B10o “A range of work-based learning that

may involve delivering full programmes, individual modules or elements of programmes for a specific employer, or otherwise using the workplace as a site of learning”

o “placement learning or work-based learning necessary to achieve the  relevant learning outcomes “

o “[due diligence] might simply involve checking information at Companies House”

o “degree-awarding bodies may agree to delivery organisation arranging for a third party to provide specific learning opportunities such as placements or work-based learning”

Challenges

Employer Requirements:•Speed;•Validation of internal training;•Teaching the programme;•Bespoke modules/programmes.

High volume of partners / low volume of students – approval and monitoring.

Degree Apprenticeships – degree-level WBL in new contexts

Sales/BD teams need adequate training

FHEQ

Level 4: holders will have the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of some personal responsibility

Level 5: holders will have the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and decision-making.

Level 6: holders will have the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility and decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts

Level 7: [same as Level 6] plus demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks.

Student Journey

• Learning designed by the HEI, but realised in the workplace, not through instruction but experience

• The ‘learning contract’: negotiate and identify specific tasks which will intervene to enable the student to realise the knowledge, skills and behaviours to meet the learning outcomes of the module/programme

• Key mechanism for the student, HEI and mentor to ensure that the learner remains on track within the learning journey

• Student Support:• checklists of competencies or critical incident diaries (self-reflection);• work-place mentors;• academic/link-tutors• employers; and• student learning communities.