Framework and Toolkit to Support Learning Through Employment

The University of Glamorgan delivers a range of programmes that include work-based elements, and already delivers many programmes based on flexible and distributed delivery. The University has substantial experience of Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL), but enrolments via the APL route (and APEL in particular) are not consistent across all faculties, and there is significant potential for this take up to be enhanced. The University’s Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) has therefore established a Learning Through Employment Framework which will enable the APL process to be used by staff unfamiliar with existing practice. The framework allows individuals already in employment to work towards a university level qualification relevant to their specific area of work. Its main feature is that the majority of learning takes place through active and reflective engagement with work activities, underpinned by the appropriate academic knowledge and skills. Courses can be tailored around any subject and are negotiated between the learner, the university and the employer. CELT has also developed a Toolkit offering materials to support the framework. The toolkit provides practical advice, support and guidance on the framework. As each stakeholder group’s needs is likely to vary to some extent, the toolkit has been targeted with separate packs for Lecturers, Employers, and Learners. Each Toolkit contains guidance relevant to each target audience on: •The Framework and Credits •APL •The Learning Contract •Support for Work-Based Learners •Assessment of Work-Based Learning This workshop is designed to showcase both the framework and the toolkit that should further support the university’s engagement with work based learning and employability.