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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

8. E-Portfolios

9. 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’

10. 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

11. 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?

12. In Conclusion… Is there a need for a bridging unit? What happens next?
Partnerships
Further information

13. Any Questions?