FE Development Projects Introduction
Western Vocational Lifelong Learning Network (WVLLN) - Further Education Development projects
As part of the WVLLN Strategic Objectives development funding was set aside for partner organisations to engage with the production of innovative activities and resources to enable vocational learners to participate in higher education.
The Development Fund was aimed at FE colleges specifically for small scale short practical projects to enable vocational learners to make the transition to HE. In the first round of bidding 13 bids were submitted with 6 being successful.
The bids had to respond to at least one of 3 themes (enabling curriculum, progression through AP(E)L or innovative employer engagement) however specific subject related curriculum development has been excluded.
All the successful projects provided evidence of demand for their activity/resource and as part of the reporting structure are required to provide an evaluation as to the success (or otherwise) of the project.
The successful bids, briefly described, are as follows:
Action on Addiction:
Their proposal was to develop a progression route for vocational learners which recognise qualifications and experience other than the Fd Sc Addictions Counselling for entry into BSc Honours (Workbased Learning) in Addictions Counselling. The key objectives of this project are:
To increase the number of students enrolling in the BSc Hons programme by creating additional progression routes tailored to the existing knowledge and skills in the workplace.
The creation of a realistic strategy to overcome identified barriers to progression for current students and recent graduates of the FD Addictions Counselling.
To enable eligibility for graduates of the BSc Hons Addictions Counselling for the award of a CMI Diploma in Management
Weston College:
Their proposal was to develop material/activities which could be used cross college to promote HE - including a video, case studies and
workshops in order to help vocational students gain experience of HE.
The aim of this project is to raise the profile of HE level study with groups of students where progression rates are particularly low. The development of taster workshops will play a key role in breaking down some of the barriers to further study, which often relate to confidence levels and misconceptions about degree level study.
Salisbury College:
Their proposal was to widening access for management learners (Level 4 and above) through development of learning via the VLE thus helping to broaden accessibility for vocational learners.
This project hopes to respond to the difficulties of employers releasing employees for study by developing a more flexible approach to study thereby providing more appropriate study aimed at learners’ individual learning requirements.
Stroud College:
Their proposal was to develop a series of affordable, modular CPD units with mainly generic content (management, team working etc) for work-based learners which could then be customised to specific disciplines.
These materials would enable work-based learners at NVQ L3 to make the transition to L4 through a combination of self-managed learning, employer involvement and tutorial and peer support.
An additional benefit would be that learners employed in L4 positions, but without the full set of skills or qualifications to meet the job-profile, would be able to skill themselves in situ, taking the learning in ‘bite-sized chunks’.
City of Bristol:
Their proposal was to support the progression of BME students into Fd Early Years as there is a distinct low level of recruitment and retention of these students even though the needs in this area are great. The key objectives of this project are to:
- Work with employers e.g. in the centre of Bristol, to identify the gaps in current early years provision.
- To enhance progression opportunities for people from BME communities by assisting potential BME students in entry to HE through a bridging unit.
- To retain BME students by assessing any additional learning needs and investigating the support that is available.
- To work with BME students in achieving skills for employment in early years setting.
Gloucestershire College:
Their proposal was to develop an employer focused blended learning programme for 'Preparing to teach in the lifelong learning sector' (PTLLS).
The project aims to develop a rapid response to employer needs and to directly involve employers (St. Johns Ambulance) in the development of the e-learning material and delivery model. The project is not seeking to develop the content of this programme. The development of a flexible delivery mode will aim to meet the needs of the business and the workforce. It is intended that the successful model will be rolled out to other employers and the case study will be available as part of the dissemination plan.
