This document discusses embedding excellence in work-based learning (WBL) in Wales. It outlines initiatives taken over the past year to define and improve excellence in WBL, including a Quality Improvement Fund for practitioner CPD, best practice events, and developing a strategic vision for excellence in WBL. Feedback from consultation on the vision supported a collaborative approach and more CPD. The challenges outlined include raising skills levels, literacy/numeracy, defining excellence consistently, availability of training, and balancing collaboration and competition. Short and long term priorities proposed include continued quality networks, expanded National Training Federation of Wales role, and communities of practice.

1. Embedding excellence in WBL
Marian Jebb / Marilyn Wood
Post-16 Quality and Data Management team
October 2015

2. This time last year…
We need to define what constitutes
‘outstanding’ practice
We need a clear ambition for
the sector – not just react to
external steersMuch more collaboration and genuine
sharing needs to take place across the
sector
Practitioners have a huge
challenge in meeting the needs of
every single learner – they need
more training and support
Expect a further ‘raising of the
bar’ in the next inspection cycle
– how should providers
prepare?

3. What we did next
• Quality Improvement Fund: CPD for WBL
practitioners (taken up by 17/20 lead providers)
• NTfW Traineeships best practice event [March
2015]
• Joint FE/WBL Quality Network event: Delivering
excellence in vocational learning [April 2015]
• Commissioned development and consultation on
‘A Vision for Excellence for work-based learning’

4. ‘Vision for excellence’ consultation
 Support for the idea of a strategic vision ‘owned’ by
the sector
 Broad scope including economy, society,
organisational and strategic elements
 Need to engage a range of stakeholders including
Careers Wales, RSPs, employers, learners and
parents
 Shared responsibility and accountability in order to
raise the status and recognition of WBL

5. Practical suggestions from providers
• More structured sharing of best practice
• More CPD, workshops and seminars tailored to
the needs of WBL staff
• Increased use of peer review and ‘buddying’
• More joint meetings for FE/WBL representatives
• Working groups to progress
cross-cutting themes

6. The challenges
Shift towards higher level
skills
Literacy, numeracy and
digital literacy
‘Owning’ the definition of
excellence
Availability of CPD for WBL
staff
Tailoring delivery to
learners/employers
and of course…

7. Collaboration in a competitive
environment

9. Short term
(next 6 months)
QIF – collaborative CPD
Quality networks
Learning Wales
Longer term
Expanded NTfW role?
Possible further quality
improvement projects?
‘Communities of
practice’?
EWC registration

10. New Quality Improvement Fund
1. Collaborative CPD bids by three or more
providers, with potential for wider adoption/
dissemination
or
2. Conferences/workshops for the wider sector
Up to four projects x £6k each, to be completed by
end March 2016

11. Quality Improvement Fund – themes
• Differentiation, ’stretch and challenge’ and
promoting learner progression
• Digital literacy and blended learning
• Literacy and numeracy (including embedding and
contextualising into programmes)
• Feedback and marking
• Securing active employer involvement, including
integrating on- and off-the-job training
• Effective peer observation
• Managing behaviour

12. October 2015
www.wales.gov.uk/quality
post16quality@wales.gsi.gov.uk
http://learning.gov.wales/