University of Derby Corporate (UDC) and
International Centre for Guidance Studies
(iCeGS)
Professionalising the work-based learning workforce –
qualifications for tutors and trainers
University of Derby Corporate
www.derby.ac.uk/corporate
University of Derby Corporate
 UDC is the business-to-business arm of the University of Derby – with its
own dedicated customer service and quality assurance infrastructure
 UDC provides innovative, bespoke, accredited work based learning
solutions for large and small employers
 Since 2008, our client base has increased from 8 to 363; our work-based
learners have risen from 187 to 3640 with 1202 of those from our
collaborative partners
 Proven track record – considered one of the leading facilitators of HE
work based learning in the UK
 Already supporting tutors and trainers in the workplace
A key starting point….
The developing Higher Apprenticeship national agenda:
“If there is to be step-change in appetite for and recognition
of Higher Apprenticeships; work-based trainers involved in
supporting the progression of apprentices must experience
higher-level learning themselves. Only in this way
will they fully develop the skills, expertise and knowledge
needed to teach and train in the workplace at higher levels”.
Defining the qualities and attributes of a WBL tutor
 Very little research to draw from on the workforce
 Needed to understand what existed and what was needed:
 the qualities, skills, competencies and values required of those
supporting learning in the workplace
 the work based tutor qualification framework requirements - to develop
a single qualifications framework for supporting the work based
learning workforce
 Needed to support the growth and development of understanding of workbased learning concepts
www.derby.ac.uk/corporate
The research approach






Literature review
Online consultation with
work based learning
workforce
Online consultation with
learners
Semi structured
interviews
Secondary data
collection
Conference attendance
www.derby.ac.uk/corporate
Work based learning – the context
Commercial Training arena
 Employers
 Commercial Training Provider (CPs)
The funded skills learning arena
 Employers
 ITPs and colleges
Professionalisation
 Array of qualifications at differing levels
 Professional Bodies
 CPD
www.derby.ac.uk/corporate
Research findings – key functional areas
WBL job roles tend to fall into four functional groups:
Learning and
Assessment
Quality
Assurance
Learning
Support
Learning
Development
Trainer
Tutor
Teacher
Instructor
Learning Advisor
Assessor
External Verifier
Head of Quality
Assurance
Lead internal
Verifier
Internal Verifier
Lead Assessor
Functional skills
tutor
Reviewer
Roles with
pastoral care of
learners
Providers of
career guidance
Supervisor
Mentor
Manager
Coach
www.derby.ac.uk/corporate
Research findings – core attributes

A number of core attributes and characteristics were identified as being of
importance to the WBL sector, across all four job roles identified
 A Leader
 Organisation skills
 Able to handle hostility
 Provides sensitive feedback
 Accurate
 Self management
 Confidential
 Self motivated
 Creative
 Sound judgment
 Ethical
 Supportive
 Engaging
 Team worker
 Flexible
 Understanding the learners job role
 Good communicator
 Understanding the learners
workplace
 Inspiring
 Understanding the learners sector
 Knowledgeable about progression
routes
• Competences were identified for the four functional areas
www.derby.ac.uk/corporate
Research findings – additional significant elements
Additional elements emerging from the research, not yet highlighted by current
research in the field, were also identified as being key for WBL practitioners:

currency and expert status of the technical occupational competence is
critical

understanding the business environment in which the skills acquisition is
taking place is vital, as well as the ROI that skills development brings

understanding the economics of the sector, in particular in relation to
understanding how the workforce represent their employer and can be a
valuable tool in developing new business
www.derby.ac.uk/corporate
Research findings – key challenges
Key challenges for WBL practitioners working with learners at HE level 4 above
were identified as:

time to enhance WBL expertise, skill, knowledge and techniques whilst
balancing current work and job demands

the ability to be more critical and challenging in terms of what and how
learners’ learn – HE levels require a higher level of critical analysis and
thinking

the need for more complex judgements and assessment of learning – not
just acquisition of learning, but also application and depth of understanding

the ability to cope with the demands of higher level learners who are
themselves more demanding
www.derby.ac.uk/corporate
Our solution…..

BA(Hons) in Professional Development (Work Based Learning Practitioner)

Step-on and step off points (Cert HE, Foundation Degree, BA (Hons), plus
smaller awards)

Comprehensive matching to competency and attribute areas identified to
support skills development

Delivered through blended work based learning approach

CiPD accreditation being sought to ensure professionalism for the sector
Level 6 360 credits
Our solution…..
Supporting work based
learning
Developing the learning
organisation
Technology enhanced
learning
Level 5 240 credits
Sustaining personal
performance excellence
Enhanced career planning &
development
The organisational learning
environment
(Choice of module here for
the Advanced Diploma)
Quality management &
enhancement of learning
Advanced blended learning
programmes in the workplace
(Choice of module here for
the Advanced Diploma)
Work based investigation
Integrated assessment
methods
Level 4 120 credits
Developing self to achieve
performance excellence
Introducing assessment
methods
Facilitating & supporting
learning at work
Personal Learning & Thinking
Skills (PLTS)
Mentoring and guidance skills
(Choice of module here for
the Diploma)
Understanding learning at work
Fundamental technical &
professional skills
Developing & implementing
contextualised blended learning
Work based study
University Certificate
Supporting career
development
University Diploma
Understanding and using new
learning technologies
Enhanced technical &
professional skills
Advanced work based
enquiry
University
Advanced Diploma
Cert HE
Foundation Degree
BA (Hons) Degree
www.derby.ac.uk/corporate
Next steps…

Further research and dissemination of research – particularly around Higher
Apprenticeships and WBL

Further development, enhancement and launch of new qualification

Professional accreditation

Recruitment of learners, testing and continual improvement
www.derby.ac.uk/corporate
Questions and Discussion
Thank you!
Moira Sutton
Carol Steed
Principal Research Fellow
Academic Development Manager –
Higher Apprenticeships
International Centre for Guidance
Studies (iCeGS)
University of Derby Corporate (UDC)
m.sutton@derby.ac.uk
c.steed@derby.ac.uk
01332 591 581
01332 597 873
www.derby.ac.uk/corporate