Learning Through Work

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Learning Through Work

• Skills Solutions delivering work based learning
  in partnership with universities and colleges
• Rosemarie Martin Higher Skills Development

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Learning Through Work

• Work Based Learning Level 4 (equivalent to first
  year of a degree)
• UfI Learndirect infrastructure online focus but
  supported by a personal tutor
• Designed for employer and learner
• Validated by the University of Derby
• Innovative provision training provider
  validated by a university

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Qualifications

• University Certificate of Achievement (30 credits
  at HE Level 4)
• University Certificate of Professional
  Development (60 credits at HE level 4)
• Manchester Solutions approved to deliver a
  maximum of 120 credits equivalent to the first
  year of a degree
• Progression to University of Derby HE Level 5 and
  beyond also possible progression to GM
  universities

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Flexible programmes of work based learning

• Leading to university of Derby accreditation
  small chunks of degree level learning leading to
  university certificate
• Curriculum area Leadership and Management
• Employment sectors - - a wide variety!
  Manufacturing, Healthcare, Childrens Nurseries,
  BBC, Manchester based theatres, Advertising and
  Media, Housing Associations

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Can it lead to a full degree?

• Yes learners can progress to the university of
  Derby and become independent on-line learners
  supported by University of Derby tutors
• Manchester Solutions currently working with the
  GM Lifelong Learning Network on progression
  agreements

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Whats different about Learning Through Work?

• No need for learners to attend classes
• Employer input into curriculum design
  assessment
• Support materials and learning programmes are
  available on line via the UfI/Learndirect
  platform

• Learners are supported by a Skills Solutions
  personal tutor (communicate face to face work
  place visits, email, phone)
• The delivery model is one of blended learning
  a combination of on line learning, personal
  tutor support

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Whats in it for the learner?

• The workplace is a major learning resource
  employees can build up academic skills slowly and
  with confidence
• No need for college attendance but opportunity to
  network and attend study workshops

• Opportunity to study for a degree without
  entering into student debt earn and learn
• Enhanced CV opportunity to achieve a small
  chunk of degree level learning even if they
  choose not to progress to a full degree it
  updates enhances their CV proves they CAN do
  it!

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Whats in it for the learner?

• Increased confidence through having a university
  qualification on their CV
• Increased flexibility and open mindedness
  understanding of their company and their own role
  within a broader context
• Motivated through enrichment and increased self
  esteem
• Supports progression to Foundation and Honours
  degrees

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Whats in it for the Employer?

• Learning really does relate directly to business
  needs
• Increased competitiveness through the development
  of staffs higher level skills
• Reduction of the need for study leave or college
  attendance
• Free consultancy!

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Other developments

• Working with the University of Bolton and MANCAT,
  Bury College and Wigan and Leigh Colleges to
  develop a blended learning model for the delivery
  of small units of degree level learning at HE
  Levels 4, 5 and 6
• Greater Manchester Lifelong Learning Network has
  supported this development together with an
  accompanying employer engagement project

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Success stories!