Mind the Gap: Developing Apprenticeship Progression Routes into Higher Education Maggie Moss – Project Manager Leonie Webster – Project Research/Development/Delivery 28th January 2010

Overview of the Project… To provide a supportive transition route from WBL into HE through collaboration with the Sector Skills Councils, WBL Providers, Employers and Apprentices.

The Aims of the Project… Research whether there is a need for an innovative, supportive and viable succession route from Advanced Apprenticeships into Higher Apprenticeships Identify the individual needs of the learners, the level of support from employers and the buy-in from FE & HE Providers Develop and deliver a blended learning bridging unit that provides support to step-up into HE Identify a Higher Apprenticeship Framework which incorporates a Foundation Degree Develop a Foundation Degree

Expected Outcomes… Development, delivery and evaluation of a bridging unit utilising flexible blended learning/VLE Development of a Foundation Degree tailored to the needs of Higher Apprenticeships and a SSC Publish a report summarising the research and development of a bridging unit and Foundation Degree Evaluation with lessons learned and recommendations published on relevant websites

The Steps to Success… Phase One: Project Management start-up Steering group, project schedule, project manager & evaluator Phase Two: Research Employers, apprentices, bridging courses & Foundation Degrees Phase Three: Development of transition/bridging course Data, recommendations, development, implementation & evaluation Phase Four: Development of a Foundation Degree/ Higher Apprenticeship Framework Sector Skills Councils (SSC), consultation, validation & final evaluation

Bridge the Gap Week 1 Introduction Week 2 Note-Taking & Reading Week 3 Academic Writing Week 4 Research Week 5 Critical Thinking Week 6 Exams & Revision Week 7 Presentations

E-Portfolios

Assessment Blogs Essay Online reflective blog Updated every week Around 150 words Areas of strength & weakness, etc. Essay 1000 word essay due at the end of the course Utilise the skills taught throughout the course ‘Higher Education should be available to all’. Discuss Submitted online via ‘turnitin’

Course Evaluation Recruitment to the course was limited Mixed responses to the use of blended learning The use of the e-portfolios was limited Students enjoyed the content & thought it all relevant Students liked having blogs as a form of assessment The students struggled to fit the work load of the course around their jobs Overall, students thought the course provided a beneficial insight into study at Higher Education All the students would recommend the course

Changes 14 week course Keep resources & submission online, but include more contact at university Offer a paper based portfolio as well as the use of e-portfolios Opportunity to meet with lecturers & students at the university Advice on applying to university Assessed presentation? Use of student mentors?

In Conclusion… Is there a need for a bridging unit? What happens next? Partnerships Further information maggie.moss@solent.ac.uk leonie.webster@solent.ac.uk

Any Questions?