Priority Area Final Reports
March 2008
Mike Smith
Priority area 2: Work Based learning strand
1.
With reference to the Year 1 Business Plan, please provide a summary of work/activities
undertaken since joining WMCETT.
Main Activities

Test and trial a series of WBL PTLLs in WMSCETT
Two bespoke PTLL plus programmes have been delivered in Hereford - Worcester. 27 work based
Trainer/assessors were recruited to undertake two distinct PTLL programmes. Both programmes had core
PTLL syllabus however in Worcester the programme has a 14-19 focus which included the shadowing of an
experienced teacher in a school environment. The second in Hereford included a work based skills teaching
element.
Delivery of the programme was designed to fit the pattern of work based learning practice, each group had a two
day initial induction followed by a second two day session on the theory and practice of teaching each with
assignments and practical work undertaken between sessions. An additional day was been agreed for individual
tutorials. Learners were supported and observed in the workplace by tutors/observers engaged through
an additional research and development project run in tandem with the PTLL programme.
Four trainee Tutor /observers were identified, recruited and job descriptors drawn up the candidates were
experienced and qualified individuals who were given additional training to prepare them for their task in
supporting, mentoring PTLLs candidates and observing teaching practice in the classroom. Although the pilot is
at an early stage the initial reports of this initiative were very positive.
To raise the profile and awareness of CPD in the private sector WMCETT has been promoted at Training
provider operational meetings across the three counties of Herefordshire Worcestershire and Shropshire also at
The West Midlands Work Based learning regional strategic planning forum.
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
Review current APEL /CPD and post ITT pathways for WBL sector currently in use and produce a
Summary of excellent practice currently operating in WMSCETT, affiliated CETTs and external
organisations.
Through the PTLL plus initiative and the Work Based and Vocational Learning Peer mentoring,
Coaching and Critical friend CPD support project there has been a distinct and measurable
raising of awareness of Continuous Professional Development for the work based sector The initiative
has been reported on at meetings across the region attended by a wide audience of HWSTPA Members,
The Learning and Skills Council, The Connexions service, Voluntary & Community organisations and
Local Education authorities.
2.
Identify any activities listed above which have been particularly successful and explain why
you think this occurred.
The Tutor Observation Action Research Project has been well received by all PTLLs candidates
that were visited. One teacher who had been delivering for 17 years commented that it had been
a useful experience to refresh her understanding.
All learners welcomed the opportunity to be observed in their own workplace and their
employers were very welcoming and unexpectedly saw the observation as a welcome part of
their own quality assurance process.
The PTLLplus programme has also received general approval with demand for more courses
rising. The success is primarily down to the course being adapted to a wok based delivery model
and content focusing on skills y as well as classroom delivery
3.
Identify any activities listed above which have been particularly difficult to
undertake, or targets which have proven difficult to reach, and discuss why.
At an early stage Training providers in the three counties of Herefordshire, Worcestershire
and Shropshire were surveyed on their existing CPD Practice in an attempt to benchmark
current levels of qualifications and experience. Unfortunately the response to the
questionnaires has been slow and no substantive analysis is currently available.
Further surveys have produced similar responses it seems paper based questionnaires are not
an ideal way to gather data. One to one interviews although time consuming may be more
effective.
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