Report on Year 2 activity
March 2009
Mike Smith
Priority area 2: Work Based learning strand
Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire Training Providers
Association
1. With reference to the Year 2 Business Plan, please provide a summary of
work/activities undertaken on behalf of WMCETT.
Main Activities
Deliver PTLLS+ courses throughout 2008-2009 academic year
Six PTLLS+ courses have now been undertaken across Herefordshire and
Worcestershire. Over 60 individuals from the Work based sector will have completed
PTLLS training by July 2009.
The PTLLS+ programme has been 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. In addition this year an extra day has been agreed
for individual tutorials. The unique feature of the work-based PTLLS is that learners
are supported and observed in the workplace by tutors/observers.
Share best practice and PTLLS+ delivery resources with Voluntary sector
priority area
In liaison with the WMCETT PAC for the voluntary sector we have facilitated
collaborative working in arranging IfL/LLUK CPD road shows across Herefordshire
Worcestershire and Shropshire engaging seven voluntary organisations;Community First, Herefordshire Literacy Project, Beacon Employment, Community
Service Volunteers [West Midlands] Motov8, North Shropshire Community Action
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Build capacity for the delivery of PTLLS/CTLLS courses though developing
Training providers existing CPD resources
Two work based trainers have been recruited and trained in PTLLS delivery against
the original target of five the shortfall is due to the demand from the Work based
providers and the capacity of the two PTLLS trainers to meet that demand.
However project work is being undertaken to identify mentors who will be able to
support both learners and Tutor/Trainers in preparation for an expected demand for
DTLLS courses
Promote and raise awareness of CPD in Vocational/Work based teaching
In Collaboration with work based training associations, networks and the WMCETT
PAC for work based learning we have raised awareness of the importance of CPD
through marketing and promotional events We have facilitated, hosted and supported
a series of CPD road shows across the three counties with particular focus on IfL and
LLUK Teacher Trainer reforms and new initiatives also developing the work based
providers knowledge and understanding of E-learning technology through JISC and
the LSIS E-CPD Programme.
We meet regularly with the regional LLUK representative and input into LLUK
workshops and consultation on developing work based CPD.
Awareness raising has not been confined to the Herefordshire, Worcestershire and
Shropshire regions but also to the wider West Midlands through the WBL West
Midlands strategic network.
2. Identify any activities listed above which have been particularly
successful and explain why you think this occurred.
The PTLLSplus programme continues to be received well with demand rising and an
expectation of further developments with CTLLS and DTLLS programmes. The
success is primarily down to the course being adapted to a wok based delivery model
and content focusing on skills as well as classroom delivery
The WBL CPD road show was also a great success with feedback from delegates
ranging from very good to excellent. The success can be attributed to the road show
content which the delegates found very relevant, the careful planning and input from
CPD and sector agencies and the marketing of the event.
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3. Identify any activities listed above which have been particularly difficult
to undertake, or targets which have proven difficult to reach, and discuss
why.
There has been very little difficulty in meeting the targets/actions outlined in the
WMCETT operational plan main activities, WMCETT and the PTLLS programme
are now established as part of the training provider associations CPD offer and as
such local providers have been keen to engage in activities. However I am aware that
HWSTPA are only representative of a proportion of Work based providers in the
WMCETT area [36 organisations compared with approximately 200 across the whole
West Midlands] whilst awareness raising and promotional activity outside of the
HWSTPA geographical area has been undertaken this has been limited mainly due to
the difficulty in communicating with areas where training provider networks are less
established and less proactive with CPD activities.
Also, although not a great difficulty at present the ability to meet the growing
administrative demand in engaging in additional action research, reporting activities
and attending meetings may become more difficult as HWSTPA resources available
to engage in CPD activities reach their limit.
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