New Qualification To Professionalise The Role Of Work Based Learning Practitioners
3 January 2013
The University of Derby Corporate (UDC) is to offer a pioneering part-time work based learning (WBL) programme to existing WBL practitioners looking to gain a professional qualification while remaining in work from April 2013.
The WBL industry employs over 30,000 staff in England (Lifelong Learning UK, 2010). Following extensive research UDC recognise the growing demand for those who support, deliver and assess learning in the workplace to have the opportunity to gain a qualification that covers a wide range of topics relevant to the field.
The Professional Development for Work Based Learning Practitioners suite of qualifications offers a flexible learning programme that will be delivered online. It covers a range of topics from mentoring and guidance to organisational learning and is assessed through practical assignments in the workplace.
The programme is suitable for work based learners, tutors and assessors who may work at colleges or for training providers looking to develop their expertise in WBL, which is a different arena to classroom based teaching.
Those successfully completing the programme will be able to gain either a Certificate of Higher Education, or a Foundation Degree, with the potential to top up for a full BA (Hons), offering significant benefits to both individuals and their employers. CIPD accreditation is also pending.
Carol Steed, Academic Development Manager for the programme, said: "This qualification is an opportunity for tutors, trainers and those who support learning in the workplace to have their skills and expertise nationally recognised. By investing in and professionalising the work based learning infrastructure, individuals and apprentices will be supported in a way that raises their aspirations and encourages career progression."
Bill Alexander, Head of Training and Skills at the National Skills Academy - Rail Engineering, added: "Training and development is a lifelong activity, driving employer's needs, and the individual's aspirations. Maintaining the UK's competitiveness requires, high calibre employer led training delivered by first class trainers, whose knowledge of the business is matched by their training ability. The Professional Development for Work Based Learning Practitioners suite of qualifications is aimed specifically at work based trainers who support, develop, facilitate, coach and assess learning in the workplace."
For more information about this flexible work based learning programme, visit www.derby.ac.uk/wbl-practitioners or call 0800 678 3311.
