Apprenticeships and work-based higher education

Dr Darryll Bravenboer

Associate Dean Academic Development

Institute for Work Based Learning

Overview

• Middlesex University and Apprenticeships

• The Institute for Work Based Learning

• The University’s Work Based Learning Framework

• Possible barriers for Apprentices

• Apprenticeship progression project

• Development of a Higher Apprenticeship framework in Construction

• Questions

Middlesex University and Apprenticeships

• Strong strategic level support from the University Executive for engagement with

Apprenticeships

• Strong alignment with the Middlesex University’s mission ‘equipping our students

with the skills they need for work and for life’ providing learning opportunities for

those progressing through vocational, work-based and professional routes to gain high

quality higher education qualifications.

• Middlesex recognises the value of Apprenticeships in meeting the skills needs of the

UK economy and provides specific work-based higher education progression

opportunities for those who have undertaken Advanced Apprenticeships.

• Middlesex working with a range of partners to develop and deliver

Higher Apprenticeship frameworks – UVAC, LLN National Forum, MEG

The Institute for Work Based Learning

•Work Based Learning as a field of study at Middlesex

• Centre of Excellence for Work Based Learning

•Work Based Learning Research Centre – Professional Doctorates (DProf)

• Middlesex University Organisational Development Network (MODNet)

• Includes FECs, PTPs and ATAs

• University Accreditation Services

• Accreditation of Prior and Experiential Learning (APEL)

• Accreditation of in-company training and development courses

• The University Work Based Learning Framework

The University’s Work Based Learning Framework

• Work Based Learning Framework modules

• Review of Learning, Professional Development, Practitioner Inquiry - L4-7

• Negotiated Work Based Learning Project modules - 10,15, 20, 30, 40, 60 credits at L4-7

•Work Based Learning Framework award titles

• Professional Practice in identified sectors

• A validated Framework that facilitates the construction of programmes that

lead to a full range of awards

• Small awards – University Certificates, Diplomas

• Major awards – Foundation, Bachelors and Masters Degrees

What qualifications can people get from the WBL Framework?

Possible barriers to progression for Apprentices

• Very low progression (2-4%) where a majority (54%) express and interest in

progressing to higher education. This is not a lack of aspiration problem

• Lack of clarity for Advanced Apprentices in higher education admissions

procedures

• Lack of clarity of parity eg UCAS points

• Lack of awareness of Apprenticeships from Admissions Tutors

• Low prioritisation of progression to higher-levels in the initial phase of the re-

launch of Apprenticeships

• Uncertainty about the involvement of Universities in Apprenticeship development

• Lack of awareness amongst some employers about the opportunities and benefits

of work-based higher education

• Lack of clear progression routes for Advanced Apprentices

Apprenticeship progression project

• Develop and gain institutional approval for a Progression Agreement designed

to support progression from Advanced Apprenticeships to work-based higher

education

• Maximising progression from Advanced Apprenticeships to work-based higher

education workshops – Partner Apprenticeship provider events

• To develop Progression Agreements that support and promote progression

from Advanced Apprenticeships

• Signing of Progression Agreements

• Publicise Progression Agreements to learners

• Implement activities to support progression

University Certificate Professional Practice in [identified sector]

University Certificate = 40 credits @ level 4

Development of a Higher Apprenticeship in Construction

• ‘Hot House’ two day residential on 4th and 5th May 2011

• Construction Skills, Middlesex University, Derby University, West London University,

Hull College, Burnley College, Blackburn College and LLN National Forum and UVAC

• Development of a Foundation Degree in Construction Operations Management

• Approval through Middlesex University's validated Work Based Learning

Framework – September 2011

• Negotiated Work Based Learning Project modules at Levels 4 and 5 include sector

specific content

• Integrating knowledge and competence requirements through Work-based delivery

• Mapped against National Occupational Standards

• The Higher Apprenticeship Framework submitted for approval to Construction

Skills – October 2011

Questions