Work-based learning in VET

An overview Deborah Roseveare Head, Skills Beyond School Division Directorate for Education and Skills 20 September 2016

Upper-secondary level

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Post-secondary level

Key characteristics of effective VET systems

Key characteristics of effective VET systems

Provisionthatrespondstolabourmarketneeds

Highqualitydelivery

Reliable,competency-basedqualifica=ons

Suppor=ngcondi=onsinplace

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Key characteristics of effective VET systems

5

worldofwork

worldofeduca-on

Work-basedlearning

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Work-based learning

Appren=ceships

Workexperience

Internships Traineeships

Co-op/Sandwich

Workplacements

Whatitis–andhowwellit’sdone–ma:ermorethanwhatit’scalled!

Par=cipa=oninanykindofwork-basedlearning:<40%ofstudentsinacademicprogrammes<50%ofstudentsinvoca=onaleduca=onandtraining

Source:OECDSurveyofAdultSkills,2012

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Benefits of work-based learning

Strengthenslabourmarketrelevance

Smootherschooltoworktransi=on

BeOerskillsdevelopment

1.  SignalsdemandforVETskills2.  Verifiesprogrammeaddsvalue3.  Engagessocialpartners

1.  Enhancesrecruitment2.  Complementscareerguidance

1.  Providesup-to-dateequipmentandexper=se

2.  Enhancessocio-emo=onalskills

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Challenge 1: getting balance(s) right

Overalllength•  Nottooshortforemployers•  Nottoolongfortrainees

Balanceofskills•  Occupa=on-specificskills•  Genericskills•  Socio-emo=onalskills

Balanceoftheoryandprac=ce•  Theoryusuallybestinclassroom•  Prac=ceoYenbestinworkplacebutsome=mes

beOerlearntoffthejob

Italldependsontheoccupa-on!

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Challenge 2: Quality

Teachersandtrainers•  Technicalexper=se•  Pedagogicalskills

Curriculum•  Competency-based•  Developedwithstakeholders

Assessmentsandqualifica=ons•  Comprehensive•  Competency-based•  Credible

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Challenge 3: Getting employers to offer work-based learning

Understandingchallengesforcompanies•  Riskandlackofinforma=on/familiarity•  Know-how•  Administra=onandpaperwork

Ac=veandongoingengagementofemployersandunionsatalllevels

Support•  Moreinforma=ononcostsandbenefits•  Well-alignedpoliciesbeyondVET•  Well-targetedfinancialsupport

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Understanding work-based learning challenges better

Costsandbenefitsofappren=ceships

Work-basedlearning:incen=vesandimplementa=on

Work-basedlearningandproduc=vity

Recognisingskillsacquiredthroughwork-based

learning

Work-basedlearningandcareeradviceand

informa=on

Work-basedlearningandschool-to-worktransi=on

forat-riskyouth

Apprentice pay (and benefits)

Instructors

Tools and equipment

Administrative costs

Contribution to production

Recruitment of best apprentices

Company reputation

COSTS BENEFITS

1. Costs and benefits of apprenticeship

1. Costs and benefits of apprenticeship

Apprenticeship duration Work placement duration What apprentices do

during their work placement

Training and management skills of instructors Apprentice wage

Elements affecting costs and benefits to employers and apprentices

Apprenticeship design: the impact on costs and benefits

0 20 40 60 80

100

Percent of fully qualified worker

Last year (in %) First year (in %)

3-year apprenticeships 4-year apprenticeships

Switzerland

2: Productivity and work-based learning

Reference year 2009. Source: Strupler, M. & S.C. Wolter (2012)

Apprenticeship design: the impact on costs and benefits

0

20

40

60

80

100

Percent of fully qualified worker

Last year (in %) First year (in %) 3-year apprenticeships 3½ year apprenticeships

Germany 2: Productivity and work-based learning

Reference year 2012/13. Source: Jansen, A., H. Pfeifer, G. Schönfeld, F. Wenzelmann (2015)

ü  Adapt the duration of apprenticeship and apprentice wages to the profile of productivity gains

ü  Carefully integrate learning into productive work

ü  Use quality assurance to ensure effective skills development

2: Productivity and work-based learning

United States

England (UK)

Germany

Canada

Australia

4 out of 10 NEETs have weak literacy or numeracy skills

At-risk youth: More difficult access to and success in work-based learning

3: Making work-based learning work for at-risk youth

Source: OECD Survey of Adult Skills 2012

Literacy only

Numeracy only

Literacy and Numeracy

3: Making work-based learning work for at-risk youth

3 common policy tools:

ü  Preparing youth for work-based learning

ü  Supporting youth engaged in work-based learning

ü  Targeted subsidies and tax breaks

x x

Thankyou!Deborah.Roseveare@oecd.org

www.oecd.org/eduwww.oecd.org/skills

www.oecd.org/edu/skills-beyond-school/work-based-learning.htm

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