Job Description
Job title:
Department:
Responsible to:
Grade:
Location:
Progression Co-ordinator Western Vocational Progression
Consortium (formerly WVLLN)
Division for Lifelong Learning
Chair, WVPC
6
Wessex House, University of Bath, Claverton Down, BATH
Purpose of the job:
The project will look at current recruitment of vocational level 3 students to selecting
departments/universities within the consortium (i.e. those with an AAB or better
profile); examine barriers, real or perceived for students presenting with DDD or DDM
at BTEC or equivalent; identify and consider solutions to curriculum issues for the
departments concerned; make recommendations to the Management Board
concerning routes to improve progression.
The project will involve research based on analysis of available documentary
information and also communication with staff in HEIs (staff in selecting departments,
admissions tutors, etc), with staff engaged in preparing vocational learners for
progression (especially staff in FECs and employers), and with staff in relevant
organisations (such as AVAs, Awarding Bodies, Regulatory Bodies, etc).
This project will build upon work previously undertaken by the Progression Coordinator based at the University of Bath in developing support materials for adult
returners to education and level 3 progression to subjects requiring high levels of
mathematical expertise.
The post holder will work closely with the Progression Co-ordinator (Apprenticeships).
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Work with academic departments to collect case studies of current UG students
(outside foundation degrees) who have entered with national diplomas and access
qualifications to find out more about their experiences and possible support needs.
2. To undertake research on applications, entry, retention and success for students
entering selecting departments/universities using national (HESA) data
3. Develop detailed entry requirements/equivalences relating to level 3 vocational
courses for 2012.
4. Work with FECs, AVAs, and employers to gain understanding of the environment
from which vocational learners progress to HE
5. Contribute to admissions tutor training sessions in relation to vocational and
access qualifications
6. Facilitate the development of enabling curriculum projects which relate directly to
the project.
Responsible for:
No line management responsibilities; a £8k non-pay budget
Career and Professional Development Activities
From time to time you may be asked to assist in the facilitation of CPD activities. This
will form part of your substantive role and you will not receive additional payment for
these activities.
Person Specification
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
Assessed by
A/F
I
T
Qualifications
A first degree



A higher degree or further training

Experience/Knowledge



An empathy and enthusiasm for
widening participation to selecting
universities/departments



An understanding of pedagogical
approaches in FE and HE


























Self-motivated



Enquiring, logical thinker



Self-motivated and meets deadlines



A generic in-depth understanding of
vocational Level 3 qualifications
Experience of teaching in both FE and
HE
An understanding of the Higher
Education sector, especially in respect of
the difference between selecting and
recruiting institutions and departments
An understanding of national policy
relating to Higher Education
Skills
Excellent analytical skills
Communications and interpersonal skills
to enable dialogue with academic staff in
HE and FE as well as vocational
learners
Report writing and presentation skills
Project-planning
Attributes
Code: A/F – Application form, I – Interview, T – Test